Vol. CXIX
January-June
1921
Special Index Issue
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
243 West 39th Street
NEW YORK
A FOREWORD
Founded 1876
Published Fortnightly
in New York
Six Dollars
Yearly
r I T HIS index is fur the 119th volume of THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT. This scries of volumes constitutes an
£ encyclopaedia of architecture in America. They mark the progression from a tune wlien our architecture
was but a re-echo of classic precedent to the present day when architecture, as practiced in this cmintr\,
sets a standard for emulation all over the world.
^The development of architecture in America is a reflex of our great advancement as a nation. The progress
of THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT has been in keeping with this great advancement. It mirrors todav, as it has ulwuvs
clone, the highest ideals of a profession that is the oldest of ail the arts, and it has blazed the' n-ay to a better
appreciation of the dignities and the responsibilities of architectural practice.
Its twenty-sir issues each year, more than twice as many as any other architectural publication, form a com-
pendium to architectural practice.
Its many illustrations — more than four hundred full page plates and approximately twice as manv tc.rt
illustrations — give to readers a larger volume of suggestive material on architectural subjects than is to be found
elsewhere.
Its various departments of Architectural Engineering, Economics as applied to building, Specification and
Cubage Costs, place in the hands of subscribers, a fund of material that makes tlie magazine indispensable to
architects, engineers and students who are keenly interested in our architectural development.
—A—
EDITORIAL COMMENT
Light-faced figures refer to tc.rt pages; bold-faced to serial number
— F—
— O—
American Architecture, 147, 2355.
American Specification Institute, 93, 2353;
175, Z356.
Annual Convention of the A. I. A., 515, 2366.
Architect, The Advancing, 649, 2370.
Archives Building, A National, 245, 2358.
Calder Committee, Report of, 427, 2363.
Canadian Copyright Law, Proposed, 489, 1365
Chicago's Opportunity, 365, 2361.
Civic Center in New York, 275, 2359.
Confidence, 319, 2360.
Confidence, Commonsense and Co-operation,
43, 2351.
Congress and the Housing Shortage, 44,
Contractors Adopt Code of Ethics, 395, 23«2.
— D—
Daylight Saving, 275, 2359.
Digest, A Nationwide, 453, 2364.
— E—
Elimination of Waste in Building Industry,
555, 2367.
F.thics in Architectural Design, 147, 2355.
Europe Turns to American Architects, 69,
2352.
Excessive Bidding, 70, 2352.
Farm Buildings, Improving, 613, 2369.
Farm Conditions, Improving, 245, 2358.
Fine Arts in the Government. 94, 2353.
Fund to Assist Young Architects, 43, 2351.
Greenwich Village, Los Angeles, 175, 2356.
— H—
Holy Land in 1920, 122, 2354.
How Much Will It Cost? 44, 2351.
j
Ignoring Our American Art, 121, 2354.
Illinois Chapter, A Timely Resolution of, 427,
2363.
League of New York Artists, 489, 2365.
— M—
Military Honors to an Artist, 453, 2364.
— N—
National Duty, A, 585, 2368.
New Jersey Abolishes State Architect, 555,
2367.
Organized Labor Enters FieM of General
Contracting, 205, 2357.
— P—
Personal Equation Editorial by Sullivan
Jones, 176, 2356.
Philadelphia Building Trades Work Toward
Building Resumption, 365, 2361.
Plain Duty. 275, 2359.
Prices, 94, 2353.
Public Library, For What Is It Maintained?
585, 2368.
— s—
Sketching for Architects, 515, ?366.
Skilled Workmen for the Building Trades,
93, 2353.
State Registration Fails in Indiana, 427,
2363.
State Societies, 649, 2370.
State Societies and the Institute, 613, 2369.
— T—
Traffic Congestion in New York, To Relieve,
395, 2362.
Transportation Tangles, Reducing, 148, Z3SS.
— w—
What Is a "Public?" 69, 2352.
Where Does the Evil Lie? 121, 2354.
TEXT ACCORDING TO SUBJECT
Light-faced figures refer to text pages; bold-faced to serial number
— A—
Ambassador Hotel, The. Warren & Wet-
more, Architects, 644, 2370.
American Chippendale, Some Examples of,
321, 2360.
American Institute of Architects, Fifty-
fourth Annual Convention of, 573, 2368.
American Specification Institute, 172, 2356;
320, 2360.
American Specification Institute, Announce-
ment by Board of Governors of, 670, 2370.
Architect and Engineer, Relation Between.
By Kort Berle, 4, 2350.
Architects, What They May Think About in
1921, 11, 2350.
1
Architectural Interiors of the United States
Shipping Board S. S. "Hawkeye State."
By Francis B. Ellis, 446, 2364.
Architectural League of New York, Thirty-
sixth Annual Exhibition, 475, 2365.
Architectural Management. By Francis B.
Ellis, 397, 2362; 428, 2363.
Architectural Quicksands. By Clinton H.
Blake, Jr., 390, 2362; 484, 236S. v'
r
\,\
III! \\IKRICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY TO I UNI-,
TEXT ACCORDING TO SUBJECT
(Continued)
V.
;il Registration Boards, National
Z3M; 580. 2JM.
Building, Relation Between
?3S».
\tll i ill,- MOM. MI 1'iL-ture. By
23t1.
.'JS8.
23(4.
, of. By < .11.
•'• of the Sm.ill College. By S. I!.
:.d«e. 614. ZJ«.
ng gjcperim<nts ni the Schools,
B.ium, Dwicfc* Tames, Architect, Notes on
Work of, 557,' 23*7.
Beauty, The Bsnis of. it,.'. 23SS.
Beaux-Arts Institute uf Design. 2/6. 23S»;
HI. OM; 516, 23W: 609, 23M; 651, 237*.
Boston CoIVRt. Ti.e New. By Ralph Adams
... 615, 2W».
Building Gilds and Housing in England, 304,
DHL
Building Material Costs in 1921. By A. K.
Kr.-ichti.ium, 19. 2SS».
Building Outlook in the Middle West. 16,
DM,
Buildings on Narrow Streets, High. By Har-
vey W. Corbett, 603, ZW».
Business Conditions, .126, 23M.
Chicago Bridges. 552, 23(7.
Competition for School Group, New Britain,
• .. 59. 23S2.
Color in Architecture, 202, 2357.
Congestion Defended by Landscape Archi-
tect, 454, 23(4.
'ruction Costs, Some Solid Tacts on.
By K. E. Davidson, 268, 2JS».
Craftsmanship, The True. By "Travi," 9,
•Mk
Creating n New Investment Center in New
York. 6.'7. 2371.
PunninK. X. Max. Work of. Ill, 2354.
— E—
Entasis, Calculation of. By T. T. Tubby, 550,
23(7.
— F—
r.utorv Profluclion Applied to Housing. By
Robert Tappan, 62. 2352.
Financial Outlook. By Francis II. Sisson, 7,
<;.iham National Bank Building. Sommer-
feld & Steckler, Architects; Kenneth
MurchUon. Consulting Architect, 350,
23(1.
— H—
l|..*|Mtal Construction Affecting Distribution
of Food. 2.14, 2358.
Hotel Webster, Chicago. Fridstcm & Co.,
Engineers, 383, 23(2.
—I—
Impression of the Washington Convention,
An. By Howard Van Doren Shaw, 620,
ZMS.
-J-
Japanese Life, Insight Into, 39, 2351.
Labor Attempts to Organize Architectural
Draftsmen, 36, 2351.
Legal Regulation of Standards of Architec-
tural Practice. By Emory Stanford Hall,
199, Z357.
Louis XV Paneled Room, A, 586, 23M.
— M—
Mclntire, Samuel. By W. H. Hunt, 415,
23C3.
Memorial Bridge Across the Hudson River
at New York, Proposed. Alfred C. Bos-
som. Architect, 423, 2363.
Minneapolis Architects Have a Colony, 88,
2353.
— N—
New York District Conference, of Building
Industry, 1.19, 2355.
Noyes-Buick Building, Boston. Mass. Ar-
thur H. Bowditch, Architect, 195, 2357.
— CD-
OM Salem Houses. By W. H. Hunt, 507
23M.
Own Your Home Small House Competition,
Prize Designs of, 321, 23«0.
— P—
Paris, Extension of, 64, 2352.
Personal Equation, What About the? 324,
236*.
Prague— As a City of the Baroqur, Part III.
By Selwyn Brinton, 343, 2361.
Prague, Housing Problem Met in, 66, 2352.
Prices, Study of. By Edmund D. Fisher, 117,
2353, 133, 2354, 163, 2355.
Proposal Worth Millions, An Intangible, 366,
2361.
— R—
Real Estate Outlook for 1921. By Joseph P.
Day, 7, 2350.
Reconstruction in Northern France. By
Ralph Fanning, 167, 2356.
Registration Matters, Architectural, 116,
2354.
Research and Educational Hospitals of Illi-
nois. Schmidt. Garden & Martin, Archi-
tects, 223, 235».
Roman Catholic Church of St. Clare, Staten
Island. Eggers & Higgins, Architects, 41,
2351.
School Buildings in Syracuse, N. Y.. Two.
James A. Randall, Architect, 89, 2353.
Scottish Rite Cathedral Competition, Port-
land, Oregon. Extracts from Competition
Program of, 358, 2361.
Side Trip in Building. By Thomas Crane
Young, 85, 2353.
Southern Intercollegiate Competitions, 523,
2366.
Specifications, Department of, 667, 2378.
Standardization of Parts in House Construc-
tion. By D. Knickerbacker Boyd, 200,
2357.
State Societies, 629, 236».
Straus, S. W., & Co., Building. Warren &
Wetmore, Architects, 637, 2370.
— T—
Trade Agreements in Chicago, 650. 2370.
Trained Observer? Are You a, 150, 2355.
— u—
Unwise Building Laws, Written and Un-
written. By Grosvenor Atterbury, 90,
2353.
Urban Congestion — A Study of Its Causes
and Suggestions for Its Eradication. By
John Irwin Bright, 581, 2368.
— W—
War Memorials. Cass Gilbert, Jr., 33, 2351.
Westward— Ho! 149, 2355.
—z—
Zoning Regulations, Simpler. By Herbert S.
Swan, 454, 2364.
TEXT ACCORDING TO AUTHOR
Light-faced figures refer to text pages; bold-faced to serial number
—A—
Atterbury, Grosvenor: —
Building Laws, Unwise, Written and Un-
written, 90, 2353.
— B—
Berle, Kort:
Architect and Engineer, Relation Between,
4, 235*.
Blackill C. H.:—
Architecture in 1921, Practice of 1 235*
Blake. Clinton H., Jr.:—
Architectural Quicksands, 390, 23(2; 484,
23(5.
Boardman, Charles S. :—
Steel Sheet Piling, 123, 2354.
Roiiom, Alfred C. :—
Memorial Bridge Across the Hudson River
»t New York, Proposed, 423, 23(3.
Bowditch. Arthur H. :—
Noyes-Buick Building, Boston, Mass, 195,
23S7.
Boyd, D. Knickerback*
Standardization of Parts in House Con-
struction, 200, 2357.
Bright, John, Irwin:
T'rhan Congestion A Study of Its Causes
»nd Suggestions for Its Eradication. 58],
Brinton, Selwyn:—
Prague— As a City of the Baroque, 343, 23(1.
Bryant, Henry F. :—
Noyes-Buick Building, Boston, Engineering
Features of, 207, 2357.
Corbett, Harvey W.:—
Buildings on Narrow Streets, High, 603,
DM,
Cram, Ralph Adams:—
Boston College, The New, 615, 23W.
Davidson, F. E. :—
Construction Costs, Some Solid Facts on,
268, 2359.
I'ay, Joseph P.:—
Real Estate Outlook for 1921. 7, 23S».
— E—
Eggers & Higgins:—
Roman Catholic Church of St. Clare 41
2351.
Kllis, Francis B. :
Architectural Interiors of the United States
Shipping Board S. S. "Hawkeye State."
7™, 2364.
Architectural Management, 397, 23(2; 428,
23(3.
Ericson, Lambert T.:—
Creosoted Wood Block Factory Floors, 212,
2357.
— F—
Fanning, Ralph:—
Reconstruction in Northern France, 167,
2356.
Farwell, Milo S.:
Reinforced Concrete, Short Cuts for Calcu-
lating and Estimating, 251, 2358.
Fisher, Edmund D. :—
Prices, Study of, 107, 2353; 133, 2354; 163,
2355.
Fridstein & Co.:—
Hotel Webster, Chicago, 383, 23(2.
Gardner, Henry A. :—
Paints and Varnishes, Fire-Resisting, 594,
23(8.
Gilbert, Cass, Jr.:—
War Memorials, 33, 235L
INDEX
THE AMERICAN ARCFIITKCT
I KM AKV ID jl'NK, lg_M
TEXT ACCORDING TO AUTHORS
(Continued)
— H—
Ihill, Emory Stanford: —
Architectural Practice, Legal Regulation
of Standards, 199, 2357.
Horowitz, Louis Jay: —
Architecture and Building, Relation Be-
tween, 2, 2350.
Hubbard, Charles L. :—
Heating and Ventilating Equipment, 367,
2361; 399, 2362.
Heating and Ventilating Industrial Build-
ings, 71, 2352; 95, 2353.
Refrigeration, 528, 2366; 587, 2368; 654, 2370.
Hunt, W. H.:—
Mclntire, Samuel, 415, 2363.
Old Salem Houses, 507, 2366.
— K—
K t ii-i hbaum, A. R.: —
Building Material Costs in 1921, 19, 2350.
— M—
Matteson, Victor Andre: —
Architect and Engineer, 51, 2351.
Mensch, L. J.: —
Warehouse for The National Tea Company,
Chicago, 492, 2365.
— N—
N'immons, George C. & Co.: —
Federal Electric and Walker Vehicle Plants,
Chicago, 559, 2367.
Owen, Allan F.:—
Hollow Tile Floor Construction, An Im-
provement in, 26, 2350.
— R—
Randall, James A.:
School Buildings in Syracuse, N. Y., Two,
89, 2353.
Rohm & Son, Jean B.:—
Warehouse for The National Tea Company.
Chicago, 492, 2365.
Schmidt, Garden & Martin: —
Research and Educational Hospitals of Illi-
nois, 223, 2358.
Shaw, Howard Van Doren: —
Impression of the Washington Convention,
An, 620, 2369.
Sisson, Francis H.: —
Financial Outlook, 6, 2350.
Sommerfeld & Sleekier:—
Gotham National Bank Building New
York, 350, 2361.
Swan, Herbert S. :—
Xoning Regulations, Simpler, 454, 2364.
_ »T» _
,
Factory Production Applied lo H.msiiiK, 6J.
2352.
Trowbridge, S. B. P.:—
Architecture and the Small College. 614,
2369.
Tubby, J. T.:-
Entasis, Calculation of, 550, 2367.
— W—
Warren & Wetmore:—
Ambassador Hotel, New York City, 644,
2370.
Straus, S. W., & Co., Building, New York
City, 637, 2370.
Willard, A. C.:—
Warm-Air Furnaces, Rating and Compar-
ing, 155, 2355.
— Y—
Young, Thomas Crane: —
Side Trip in Building, 85, 2353.
Ziegler, Carl A.:—
Architecture anil the Motion Picture, 543,
2367.
CURRENT NEWS
Figures refer to text pages
—A—
Alabama Architects, 188.
American Academy in Rome, 159.
American Federation of Arts, Convention
of, 439.
American Standard of Living, 31.
American Students to Help France Re-
build, 597.
America's Gift to the World, 337.
Ancient Stone Plaque, 632.
Architects Elect New Officers, 569.
Architects Join National Group, 257.
Architect's Service, The, 375.
Architect's Service Bureau, An, 596.
Architects to Compete, Manhattan College,
258.
Architect Wins Prize for Writing Best Play,
336.
Architectural Association Elects Officers,
375.
Architectural Exhibit for Ghent, Belgium, 52.
Architectural League Exhibition, 376.
Architectural League of Indianapolis, 30.
Architectural Water Colors, 187.
Architecture, Growing Appreciation for, 596.
Armour Institute of Technology, Head of,
569.
Art Appreciation Lacking, 190.
Art Center Getting Settled, 376.
Art Historian Dies, 257.
rt n te ome, .
Artists Divide Auto Prize, 500.
Birren Frize, 4t>/.
Bismarck's Unique Park, 357.
Borglum to Carve Army on Mountain, 162.
Boston Architectural Show, 257.
Boston Society of Architects Meets, 335.
Brangwyn to Decorate Missouri Capitol, 129.
Bridge for the U. S., Highest, 438.
Bridge Resists Floods for Ages, 80.
Brooklyn's Plymouth Church Rebuilding, 104.
Builders Form New Organization, 500.
Building Now, Wisdom of, 255.
Building Officials' Conference, 438.
Building with Government Aid, 255.
Bungalow on Factory Roof, 297.
Bureau of Housing, 105.
Burning Coal Mine Under City, Fighting, 131.
Burroughs Memorial, Plan, 631.
Cabinet May Urge War Reductions, 502.
Calder Committee Suggests Remedy for
Housing Shortage, 469.
Cambridge Architect Wins, 337.
Carnegie Institute, 439.
Carnegie Institute Exhibit, 376.
Chicago Architectural Exhibit, 159.
Chicago Architectural Exhibit— 1921— The 34th
Annual, 468.
Chicago News Notes, 53, 106.
Chicago Notes of Interest, 336.
Chicago's Field Museum, 596.
Chinese Art, 536.
Circulating of Pictures, 162.
City Bureau to Plan Homes, 105.
City Plan for St. Paul, 438.
City Planning in Kansas, 470.
Civic Federation to Discuss Labor Problems,
104.
Coal, Plan to Pipe, 296.
Cocoanut Palm, The Versatile, 297.
Competition, Small House, 29.
Concrete Building, Largest, 31.
Construction Division U. S. A. Holds Re-
union, 103.
Contractor, Ethics for the, 295.
Corinthian Capital, The Origin of the, 295.
Country's Oldest House, This, 579.
Crane, R. T., Buys Westover, 469.
— D—
Danes Erect Obelisk, 80.
Doctors' Co-operative Building, 499.
Dutch Dry the Zuyder Zee, 215.
Efficiency Body Favors World Fair in 1926.
378.
Engineer, Definition of 2000 Years Ago, 30.
English Architects Meet, 630.
Estate Management, Will Teach, 407.
— F—
Factory Machinery No Longer Black, 130.
Fine Exchange of Unselfish Recognition, A
568.
Finns Develop Own Architecture, 296.
Fire Loss, 1920, Third Largest on Record,
470.
Forrests in Northwest, Vast, 104.
France Plans Home for Married Women
Only, 104.
French Town, To Build Model, 362.
French Village Has American Aid in Memor-
ial, 190.
Georgia Architects Organize, 187.
Georgia School of Technology, 536.
Germany Wants Skyscrapers, 215.
Gobelins, Trying to Save, 105.
Gobelin Works Admit Women, 80.
Good Housing Hurt by Shortage, 255.
Gotham National Bank, 53.
Government Service, For, 408.
— H—
Health Commissioner Invokes Millionaires.
191.
Henry Reinhardt, Art Dealer, Dead, 103
High Bridge Saved, 159.
High School Competition, 376.
Historic St. Paul's, in Washington, D. C,
Destroyed by Fire, 570.
Home Builders, To Help, 375.
Home Building by Advertising Campaign, To
Push, 499.
Hotel Entrances, 189.
House Managers for the Dutch, 217.
House Names, 407.
Housing and Garden City League Formed,
160.
Housing Conference, 105.
Housing in Germany, 104.
THE AMKKK'AN ARCHITECT
JANTAKV TO JINK. 1 J2!
CURRENT NEWS
(Continued)
x Problem in America. 256
II. nising Problems to Be Considered, 5.!
:i|( Kc><illlt . 256.
tin* \\ .- Look from Ah"v.-,
Hudson River I" It.' lli'.ii;. 1. 1"!
— I—
Illinois Chapter Ar. -hit.-. Is Mold Meeting. 338.
IH ,,i Art Works, 189.
ln.li.itii Mad -45 Story Apartment. 1)2.
Induitrial Art at Museum, 103.
Industrial Teachers' Scholarships in \e\v
York. 630.
Information Bureau for New York State Con
tractors, 56V.
lntcrnalion.il Congress of Cities in Paris, 160.
Int.-Miational Situation. 502.
Inter State Bridge, Maine, 161.
lt.il> Wants Art Treasures, 615.
j
Jamestown Architects Organize, 499.
Japanese Houses, Signs on, 216.
Jersey City Building Active, 160.
Jersey City Chinning, 160.
John Hopkins Plans Building Costing $11,-
500,000, 5J.
— K—
Kansas Architects Annual Meeting, 188.
K:.IIV.LS City Architects Announce New Ser-
vi. - Bureau, 569.
Kitchen Marathon Two Miles, 104.
Landmarks for the Aviator, 297.
I-angley, Batty, Two Books Illustrating De-
signs by, 631.
Leases, $600,000 in. 499.
LcBrim Scholarship Award, 191.
Legacy to Posterity, A, 583.
Leviathan, Nobody Wants the, 467.
Library of Congress Wants The American
Architect, 52.
Lumbermen to Reduce Building Costs, 104.
— M—
Marriage Profitable in Berlin, "336.
MrKaddrn Art Disposal, 375.
Memorial Competition, 296.
Memorial Plans, 439.
Michigan Chapter, A. I. A., 632.
Model City for China, 272.
Moving a C'ity, 536.
Mural Painters Appointed. -Us
Museums, Additions to, 377.
— N—
National Arboretum, 188.
N'atiiuial Building- Code, 256.
National Landmark, A, 570.
National Memorials Committee Issues Warn-
ing, 569.
Anilual
Nebraska Chapter Elects Officers, 159.
New York MIM i-Ilaiiies, 53.
N'cw York Went Laws Upheld, 377.
New York Society of Architects, 29, 159, 408,
568.
N.-w Yoik Society of Architects, Annual
Dinner of, 5'),-.
New York Society of Architects, Year Book,
597.
\ew York State Association Meets, 336.
\i:iK'.na Power, 161.
\Hiscs, Silencer for Street, 131.
— o—
Omaha Art School, 189.
Origin of "Checks," 105.
Our Most Popular Building, 537.
( iwn Your Home, 377.
Own Your Home Competition, 215.
— P—
Painters Hear Lecture on Color Dimensions,
177.
Paris Prize, Society of Beaux-Arts Archi-
tects, 187.
Paris Salon, American Architects Invited to
Exhibit in, 129.
Paris to Have Mosque, 631.
Paris Walls for War Area Homes, 162.
Peace Gardens for War Gardens, 536.
Pennsylvania Academy Exhibit Announced,
79.
Permanent State Buildings in Washington,
D. C., A Proposed Erection of, 631.
Personalities of Cities, 538.
Philadelphia Architects Co-operate with
Labor, 189.
Philadelphia Architects Join Exposition, 103.
Philadelphia Architects Receive Gold Medal
Award, 499.
Philadelphia's Exhibit, 335.
Philadelphia's New Art Museum, 5%.
Portland, Ore., to Get City Plan, 468.
Poverty of Immigrants, 257.
Prague, In, 79.
Prehistoric Village Found, 79.
Publicity by Contractors, 191.
Pueblo Architecture in Concrete, 296.
Pullmans Used as Houses, 538.
Puppets in Egyptian Tombs Show Ancient
Conditions, 161.
— R—
Razing Paris Forts, 409.
Heal Estate Lecture Course, Y. M. C. A., 52.
Realistic Art Is Urged, 537.
Reconstruction in Belgium, 80.
Reduce Excessive Building Costs, 256.
Reims, Two Churches Unde'r, 631.
Rembrandt, A Rare, Stolen, 105.
"Rembrandt" Found, 132.
Kh(597S °"heilral' <"armot Match Stone in,
Ricker Library of Architecture 189
Koine Extending Her Area, 272
Roosevelt Memorial in Washington to Sur-
pass All, 160,
Roosevelt Memorial Proposed, 52
Roosevelt Memorial Site, 536.
Rotch Scholarship Award, 632
Rotch Scholarship Examinations 407
Roumanian Parlor Stoves, 215
— s—
St. Lazare Prison Is to Be Demolished, Fa-
mous, 377.
St. Louis "Own Your Home Exposition," -t(j :
San Francisco Is Unearthed, Ancient, 349.
Sargent Returns to Boston, 188.
Scholarships, M. I. T., 438.
School Building Program for New York, 191.
Schoolhouse, Good-Bye to Little Red, 296.
Scientists to Delve in Ruins of Old Palestine,
408.
Seattle A. I. A. Elects, 335.
Skyscraper, Birth of the, 408.
Skyscrapers, Rue de Rivoli Wants, 190.
South America Offers Inducements to Im-
migrants, 537.
Southern California Chapter's Officers, 187.
Spain to Use Electricity, 362.
Spanish Missions to Be Restored, 216.
Specification Writers Reports Progress, Or-
ganization of, 407.
Speir, Oswald, Dead, 187.
Stage Settings from Blocks, 296.
Standard of Living, 255.
State Financing for Home Building, Favors,
501.
Summer Classes in Architecture, 568.
— T—
Tax Exemption Passed in New York Citv,
409.
Teacherages Are Gaining Favor, 439.
Teach Housing in Schools, 256.
Technical Man in War Department, Want,
322.
Tenement, Revamping the, 257.
Thessalian Temple, Unearth, 632.
Tmver Made of Tree Trunk, 536.
Traveling Exhibits of Art, 130.
Treasures of Loreto Are Reduced to Ashes,
— u—
U. S. Wearing Away, 162.
University of Chicago, To Enlarge, 597.
Upbuilding the Nation, 255.
— V—
Virginia Chapter Names Officers, 188.
— w—
Washington State Society Elects, 188.
Westminster Acknowledges American C.ift,
Whale Bones for Building, 337.
Where Land Costs Most, 536.
White House Again to Become Mecca Under
the Hardings, 337.
Wichita Architects Hold Election, 188.
William Willett Dead, 467.
Workhouse Closes, Famous, 79.
World's Fair in Philadelphia, 160.
World's Fair, Permanent Buildings for, 189
World Trade, To Restore, 469.
—Z—
Zoning, Saving by, 295.
American Specification Institute. I ,,,,,,mmica-
lion, from Architects, 67. IN, .>*). i>> 37S
Appreciative Letter fr,,m an old SoWi-iber
BV )•'• 'lueen, 490.
CRITICISM AND COMMENT
"Hawkeye State," The. By Edwin D. Weary.
"Westward-Ho," An Echo from. 303.
I MU'X
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY TO JUNE. 1921
DEPARTMENT of ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING
Light-faced figures refer to text pages; bold-faced to serial number
Ambassador Hotel and the Architectural En-
gineer, The, 659, 2370.
American Engineering Standards Committee,
The, 466, 2364.
liiiuininous Concrete Foundation, Advantages
of. 5.54, 2366.
II ok Notes— A Book of Ceilings, 298. 2359;
Hcndrick's Commercial Register for 1921,
298, 2359; Red Lead, and How to Use It
in Paint, 497, 2365.
Ki.ildniu; Cudcs, Inconsistencies of Some, 463,
2364.
lYment Slabs, New Design Data for, 287,
2359.
C ntral Warehouse, Chicago, Shoring and
I'lnU-i-pinning the, 592, 2368.
Cleveland Auditorium, 21, 2350.
( o;il Hin of Unusual Design and Construc-
tion, A Concrete, 621, 2369.
Colored Wall Plaster, 661, 2370.
Concrete Strength, Effect of Colorings on,
661, 2370.
Crane, Making, the, Safe, 154, 2355.
Creosoted Wood Block Factory Floors. By
Lambert T. Ericson, 212, 23S7.
Elevator Motors, Controls for A. C., 434, 2363.
Engineers and Architects, Estrangement Be-
'twcen, 294, 2359.
l-Vdcral Electric and Walker Vehicle Plants,
Chicago, The. George C. Nimmons & Co.,
Architects, 559, 2367.
Fire Precautions in a Woodworking Plant,
331, 2360.
Fire Tests, 498, 2365.
Flat Slab Floors, 100, 2353.
Flues, Proper Size and Design for, 158, 2355.
Frame Roof a Thatched Appearance, Giving
a, 373. 2361.
(iarage Fire Record, 76, 2352.
Generator Units, Emergency, 334, 2360.
Good Design Increases Rental Values, 151,
2355.
Heating and Ventilating Equipment. By
Charles L. Hubbard, 367, 2361; 399, 2362.
Heating and Ventilating Industrial Buildings.
By Charles L. Hubbard, 71, 2352, 95, 2353.
High Bridge, Fate of, 45, 2351.
Hollow Tile Floor Construction. An Improve-
ment in. By Allan F. Owen, 26, 2350.
Lighting Fixtures, New Idea in, 50, 2351.
Linoleum and Its Proper Application, 565,
2367.
Metal Lath to Avoid Plaster Cracks, Appli-
cation of, 246, 2358.
Method of Securing Weather-tight Contact
Between Swinging Doors, 534, 2366.
Motor Transport Industry, A New Building
for the, 429, 2363.
National Safety Council, 1921 Campaign, 405,
2362.
Noyes-Buick Building, Boston, Engineering
Features of. By Henry F. Bryant, Engi-
neer, 207, 2357.
Overhead and Underground Streets for New
York, 463, 2364.
Paints and Varnishes, Fire-Resisting. By
Henry A. Gardner, 594, 2368.
Pittsburgh Changes Regulation on Wall
Thickness. 535, 2366.
Plaster Walls, Preventing Cracks in, 186,
2356.
Raising and Shoring a Fireproof School
House, 464, 2364.
Refrigeration. By Charles L. Hubbard, 528,
2366; 5X7. 2368; <>5-4, 2370.
Reinforced Concrete Against Electrolysis,
Protection for, 498, 2365.
Reinforced Concrete Construction, Modern
Practice in, 177, 2356.
Reinforced Concrete. Short Cuts for Calcu-
lating and Estimating. My Milo S. Far-
well, 251, 2358.
Relative Heat Conductivities of Building
Materials, 78, 2352.
Sheathing and Wall Board, Relative Strength
of, 498. 2365.
Single Doors for Entrances to School Build-
ings, 534, 2366.
Spray Painting, Recent Developments in, 157,
2355.
Stairs, The Rise and Run of, 661, 2370.
Steel Forms for Concrete Columns and Floor
Slabs, 332, 2360.
Steel Sheet Piling. By Charles S. Boardman,
123, 2354.
Theatre. Safety in a Modern, 292, 2359.
Tile and Concrete Floor Shows to Advantage
Under Test, 327, 2360.
Ventilation of the Home Office Building of
the Travelers Insurance Company, Hart-
ford, Conn., 429, 2364.
Warehouse for The National Tea Company,
Chicago. Jean B. Rohm & Son, Archi-
tects; L. J. Mensch, Engineer, 492, 2365.
\\':irm-Air Furnaces. Rating and Comparing.
By A. C. Willard, 155, 2355.
Wrought Iron, How. It Is Made, 101, 2353.
ILLUSTRATIONS ACCORDING TO AUTHORS
Figures refer to the number of the issue, not to the text pages
Albro, Lewis Colt:—
Mendleson Memorial Chapel. Loudenville,
N. Y., 2368.
. \shfim, Leonard: —
1'ire ami Police Station for the City of
Bridgeport, Conn., 2369.
Harber, Donn: —
Hartford Times Building, Hartford, Conn.,
2365.
Barnard, John: —
Second Prize, Brick House, Own Your
Home Small House Competition, 2360.
Bates & How: —
House of Mr. Chapin S. Pratt, Bronxville,
N. Y., 2365.
Maum, Dwight James: —
House of Mr. John W. Griffin, Fieldston,
N. Y., 2367.
House of Mr. R. E. Lewis, Hartsdale, N. Y.,
2367.
House of Mr. M. A. Shea, Fieldston, N. V.,
2367.
Riverdale Country Club, Riverdale, N. Y.,
2367.
Hla. kail, Clapp & Whittemore:—
Broadway Theatre, South Poston, Mass.,
2369.
lioehm, G. A. and H.:—
Store of Richard Hudnut, New York, 2364.
Howditch, Arthur H.:—
Noyes-Buick Building, Boston, Mass., 2357.
Muchman & Kahn: —
Borden Building, New York City, 2365.
House of Mr. Herman Younker, Elmsford,
N. Y., 2365.
Childs & Smith:—
First National Bank, Menasha, Wis., 2351.
II .use of Mr. G. S. Gaylord, Neenah, Wis.,
2369.
House of Mr. A. C. Gilbert, Neenah, Wis.,
2351.
House of Mr. Ralph Isham, Santa Barbara,
Cal., 2351.
House of Mr. Mowry Smith, Menasha, Wis..
2364.
Menasha Cafe, Menasha, Wis., 2364.
Cross & Cross: —
Guaranty Trust Company, Fifth Avenue,
New York City, 2365.
Davis, McGrath & Kiesling:—
Community Building, Flint, Mich., 2365.
Industrial Savings Bank Building, Flint,
Midi.. 2365.
Dies, J. Ivan and Maier, E. J.:—
Second Prize, Frame House, Own Your
Home Small House Competition, 2360.
Dunning, N. Max: —
American Book Co., Chicago, 2356.
Bethany Bible School, Chicago, 2354.
Dixon National Bank, Dixon, 111., 2356.
Dixon Telephone Co., Dixon, 111., 2356.
House of Mr. C. D. Barnes, Kenosha, Wis.,
2359.
House of Mr. F. C. Traver, Kenilworth, HI.,
2354.
House of Mr. Robert E. Ward, Wilmette,
111., 2354.
Kenosha Hospital, Kenosha, Wis., 2356.
National Cloak & Suit Co., Kansas City,
Mo., 2354.
Newell Memorial Chapel, Kenosha, Wis.,
2356.
Shelter House, Kenosha, Wis., 2357.
Simmons Mfg. Co., Kenosha, Wis., 2354.
Stromberg Motor Device Co., Chicago, 2356.
N. Max Dunning & John W. McKecknie: —
House of Mr. Robert J. Thome, Lake For-
est, HI., 2359.
Eggers, O. R.:—
Drawings of Early American Architecture:
Old Shop, Litchfield, Conn., 2350.
Door of a Dutch Farm House, North
Paterson, 2351.
Trinity Church, Newport, R. L, 2.152.
Doorway, Trinity Church, Newport, R. I.,
2353.
Old State House, Newport, R. I., 2354.
A Street in Newport, R. I., 2355.
Billop House, Staten Island, N. Y., 2356
St. Andrew's Church, Staten Island, N. Y.,
2357.
Old Tavern, Rossville, Staten Island, 2358.
Old Dutch Farm House, Staten Island,
2359.
Christ Church, Philadelphia. 2361.
St. Peter's Church, Philadelphia, 2362.
Christ Church and Graveyard, Philadel-
phia, 2363.
Old State House, Philadelphia. Pa.. 2364.
Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.,
2365.
Old Custom House, Philadelphia. Pa., 2366.
Old State House, Philadelphia, Pa., 2367.
Doorway to Fairfax House, Alexandria,
Va., 2.V8.
Kitchen Wing, Mount Vernon, Va., 2369.
Christ Church, Alexandria, Va.. 2370.
Fridstein &• Co.: —
Hotel Webster, Chicago, 2362.
Green, James C. : —
House of Mr. Duane Armstrong, Green-
wich, Conn., 2365.
Gregory, Julius: —
House of Mr. Clarence McDaniel, Harts-
dale, N. Y., 2362.
Holabird & Roche:—
Building for Beckley-Ralston Co., Chicago,
2364.
Building for R. T. Ederer Co., Chicago,
2364.
Building for Maxwell Sales Co., Chicago,
2364.
House for Mr. Louis A. Ferguson, Evans-
ton, 111., 2363.
House of Mr. Joseph E. Tilt, Chicago, 2363.
Wesley Foundation, University of Illinois,
Urbana, 111., 2364.
Hood, Raymond M.: —
House of Mr. Cyril Crimmins, Noroton,
Conn., 2359.
Jackson, John F.: —
House of Mr. E. L. Woodworth, Passaic,
N. J., 2364.
Justement, Louis: —
First Prize, Frame House, Own Your Home
Small House Competition, 2360.
First Prize, Stucco House. Own Your Home
Small House Competition, 2360.
Kohn, Robert D. :—
I-oft Building, New York, 2368.
Leone, Amedp: —
Second Prize, Stucco House, Own Your
Home Small House Competition, 2360.
McGoodwin, Robert R.: —
House at Chestnut Hill, Pa., 2369.
House of Mr. Norman Ellison, Chestnut
Hill, Pa., 2369.
House of Mr. Spencer Erwin, Chestnut Hill,
Pa., 2369.
House of Mr. Norman Mackie, Chestnut
Hill, Pa., 2369.
House of Mr. Walter Schwartz, Chestnut
Hill, Pa., 2369.
House of Dr. George Woodward, Chestnut
Hill, Pa., 2369.
Nfclmire, Samuel:—
Baldwin -Lyrnan House, Salem, Mass., 2366.
Cabot-Endicott-Low House, Salem, Mass.,
2366.
Details of Old Salem Houses, Salem, Mass.,
2366.
Teffrey Lang House, Salem, Mass., 2366.
Old Ladies' Home. Salem, Mass.. 2363.
Pickering House. Salem. Mass., 2366.
Pierce-Nichols House, Salem, Mass., 2363.
Richard-Derby House, Salem, Mass., 2366.
Stearns House, Salem, Mass., 2366.
INDEX
INK AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY TO JUNE, 1921
ILLUSTRATIONS ACCORDING TO AUTHORS
(Continued)
Mi-Kecknie, John W., & N. Max Dunning:—
OM nf Mr Robert J. Thorne. Lake For-
est, III.. 2359.
Mi -Kim, Meat! & White:—
II. ill. N, w York, 2355.
Murvhisun, Kenneth M.: —
I'rimelles Building. Havana, Cuba, 2365.
I'ennell, H. B.:-
•-• Building for Pennell, Gibbs & OuirinK
. II.. -i. ,n. Mass., 2362.
.lottn Russell: —
llcmsr of Mr. Andrew V. Stout. Redbank,
N. J., 2368.
Randall, James A.: —
Blodgett Vocation;
ware School, Syracuse
Blodgett Vocational High School, Dela-
ware School, Syracuse, N. Y., 2353.
Kossiter & Muller:-
House of Mr. B. Austin Cheney, New
Haven, Conn., 2368.
Salomonsky, Edgar, and Vt-rna Cook: —
First Prize, Brick House. Own Your Home
Small House Competition, 2360.
-Schmidt, Garden & Martin:—
Cosmopolitan State Bank, Chicago, 111.,
2364.
Sommerfelcl & Steckler:—
Gotham National Bank Building, New
York, 2361.
button & Whitney: —
Scottish Rite Cathedral Competition, Port-
land, Oregon, First Prize Design, 2361.
Walker & Gillette:—
House of Mr. James J. Hill, Westbury,
L. I., N. Y., 2350.
Warren & Wetmore: —
Ambassador Hotel, New York City, 2370.
Straus, S. W., & Co. Building, New York
City, 2370.
Welsh, Lewis E. :—
House of Mr. Laurence M. Thompson, Mon-
trose, Pa., 2365.
ILLUSTRATIONS ACCORDING TO SUBJECT
Figures refer to the number of the issue, not to the text pages
Administrative and Governmental
l-irc and Police Station for the City of
Bridgeport, Conn. Leonard Asheim,
Architect, 2369.
Town Hall. New York City. McKim, Mead
& White, Architects, 2355.
Banks
< oMnopolitan State Bank, Chicago, III. Rich-
ard E. Schmidt, Garden & Martin, Archi-
tects, 2364.
Dixon National Bank Building, Dixon, 111.
N. Max Dunning Architect 2356.
First National Bank Menasha, Wis. Childs
& Smith, Architects, 2351.
<;.,iham National Bank Building, New York.
Sommerfeld & Sleekier, Architects, 2361
(iuaranty Trust Company, Fifth Avenue, New
York City. Cross & Cross, Architects,
2365.
Industrial Savings Bank Building, Flint,
Mich. Davis, McGrath & Riesling, Archi-
tects, 2365.
Straus, S. W., & Co. Building, New York
City. Warren & Wetmore, Architects,
Ecclesiastical
Bethany Bible School, Chicago. N. Max
Dunning, Architect, 2354.
Mendelson Memorial Chapel, Loudenville,
N. Y. Lewis Colt Albro, Architect, 2368.
Newell Memorial Chapel, Kenosha, Wis. N.
Max Dunning, Architect, 2356.
Scottish Rite Cathedral Competition, Port-
land Oregon— First Prize Design. Sutton
& Whitney, Architects, 2361.
Educational
Blodgett Vocational High School, Syracuse,
N. Y. Delaware School, Syracuse. N. Y.,
James A. Randall, Architect, 2353
State Normal School Competition, New
Britain, Conn. Guilbert & Betelle, W F
Brooks, Aymar Embury, II, Architects,
U . Kiev Foundation. University of Illinois,
Urbana. 111. Holabird & Roche, Archi-
tects, 2364.
Frontispieces
enice, .
French Romanesque Doorway, 2353
< athedral, Mainz, Germany. 2354.
Veni«all23r5>5 Parapet> Church of S. Mark,
Gothic Window, Cathedral, Wetzlar, Ger-
""'2357
Salute' Venic<1.
Miracoli'
neM '
Tomb of Beato Pacificio Buon, Venice 2359
Monuments oi Doges, Venice, 2360
2361 ch of S'- Maclou, Rouen, France,
Cathedral, Wetzlar, Germanv 2362
2363an<1 Br'dge °' 'he Miraco1'. Venice,
Ravenna, Italy, 2364.
Entrance Detail, Andrew-Safford House,
Salem, Mass.
Detail of Doorway, Rathaus, Lucerne, 2367.
Church of S. Stephen, Florence. Italy, 2368.
Detail of a Spanish Church, Circa XV-XVI
Century, 2369.
Basilica of S. Spirito, Ravenna, Italy, 2370.
Hotels
Ambassador Hotel, New York City. Warren
& Wetmore, Architects, 2370.
Menasha Cafe, Menasha, Wis. Childs &
Smith, Architects, 2364.
Hotel Webster, Chicago. Fridstein & Co.,
Engineers, 2362.
Industrial
American Book Co., Chicago. N. Max Dun-
ning, Architect, 2356.
Borden Building, New York City. Buchman
& Kahn, Architects, 2365.
Building for Beckley-Ralston Co., Chicago,
111. Holabird & Roche, Architects 2364
Building for R. T. Ederer Co., Chicago, III.
Holabird & Roche, Architects 2364
Building for Maxwell Sales Co., Chicago III
Holabird & Roche, Architects, 2364.
Dixon Home Telephone Co., Dixon, 111. N.
Max Dunning, Architect, 2356.
Hartford Times Building, Hartford, Conn.
Donn Barber, Architect, 2365.
Loft Building, New York. Robert D. Kohn,
Architect, 2368.
National Cloak & Suit Co., Kansas City, Mo
N. Max Dunning, Architect, 2354
Noyes-Buick Building. Boston, Mass. Arthur
H. Bowditch, Architect, 2357.
Office for Simmons Manufacturing Co
tec°OS2354 W'S' N' M"X DunninK' Archi-
Strornberg Motor Device Building, Chicago,
111. N. Max Dunning, Architect. 2356.
Miscellaneous
Architectural League of New York, Thirty-
sixth Annual Exhibition, 2365.
M roadway Theatre, South Boston, Mass
tecTs 236 & Whitteraore- Archi-
CommnaSty Building, Flint Mich. Davis.
McGrath & Kieshng, Architects, 2365
e'l'1S °f, 9id Sa.Iem Houses, Salem, Mass
bamuel Mclntire, Architect, 2366
Kenosha Hospital, Kenosha, Wis N Max
Dunning, Architect, 2356.
Old Ladies' Home, Salem, Mass. Samuel Mc-
PriMellM B«i.WinK? 'Havana, Cuba. Kenneth
M Murchison, Architect. 2365
Riverdale Country Club, Riverdale N Y
SI Ue'r1 He K BaUm' Architect, 2367
Residences
- A
House of Mr. C. D. Barnes, Kenosha, Wis. N.
Max Dunning, Architect, 2359.
House of Mr. B. Austin Cheney, New ii;iv. ...
Conn. Rossiter & Muller, Architects, 2368.
House of Mr. Cyril Crimmins, Noroton, Conn.
Raymond M. Hood, Architect, 2359.
House of Mr. Norman Ellison, Chestnut Hill.
Pa. Robert R. McGoodwin, Architect,
2369.
House of Mr. Spencer Erwin, Chestnut Hill,
Pa. Robert R. McGoodwin, Architect,
2369.
House of Mr. Louis A. Ferguson, Evanston,
111. Holabird & Roche, Architects, 2363.
House of Mr. G. S. Gaylord, Neenah, Wis.
Childs & Smith, Architects, 2369.
House of Mr. A. C. Gilbert, Neenah, Wis
Childs & Smith, Architects, 2351.
House of Mr. John W. Griffin, Fieldston,
N. Y. Dwight James Baum, Architect,
2367.
House of Mr. Tames J. Hill, Westbury, L I,
N. Y. Walker & Gillette, Architects,
2350.
House of Mr. Ralph Isham, Santa Barbara
Cal. Childs & Smith, Architects, 2351
House of Mr. R. E. Lewis, Hartsdale, N. Y.
Dwight James Baum, Architect, 2367
House of Mr. Norman Mackie, Chestnut Hill,
Pa. Robert R. McGoodwin, Architect,
House of Mr. Clarence McDaniel, Hartsdale,
. N. Y. Julius Gregory, Architect, 2362.
House of Mr. Chapin S. Pratt, Bronxville,
N. Y. Bates & How, Architects, 2365
House of Mr. Walter Schwartz, Chestnut
Hill, Pa. Robert R. McGoodwin, Archi-
tect, 2369.
House of Mr. M. A. Shea, Fieldston, N Y
Dwight James Baum, Architect, 2367
"Ae-,j Mr- Mowry Smith, Menasha, Wis
Childs & Smith, Architects, 2364
House of Mr. Andrew V. Stout, Redbank.
"• J. J°nn Russell Pope, Architect, 2368.
House of Mr. Laurence M. Thompson. Mon
tro»e, Pa. Lewis E. Welsh, Architect,
House of Mr. Robert J. Thorne, Lake Forest,
III. John W. McKecknie, Architect; N
Max Dunning, Associate Architect 2359
House of Mr. Joseph E. Tilt, Chicago. Hola-
bird & Roche, Architects, 2363.
Ho"?c of Mr. F. C. Traver, Kenilworth, III
N. Max Dunning, Architect, 2354.
\f £rf Mlr\ Robert E- Ward' Wilmette, 111
N. Max Dunning, Architect, 2354.
T!?M °f Dr- George Woodward, Chestnut
tec"' 2369 ' McG°°dwin, Archi-
House of Mr E I. Woodworth, Passaic, N. T.
John F. Jackson, Architect. 2364.
House of Mr Herman Younker. Elmsford.
W. Y. Buchman & Kahn, Architects 2365
Baldwin-Lyman House, Salem. Mass Sam-
uel Mclntire, Architect, 2366
CibS^.fi«tV1iOW Fouse' Sale™. Mass.
Samuel Mclntire. Architect, 2366
'
. ,
Jeffrey Lang House, Salem, Mass. ' Samuel
Mclntire, Architect, 2366.
House at Chestnut Hill, Pa. Robert R Me
Goodwin. Architect, 2369
CSonn MarmDu™%Arm strong, Greenwich,
«n. James C. Green, Architect, 2365.
INDEX
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY TO JUNE, 1921
ILLUSTRATIONS ACCORDING TO LOCATION
Figures refer to the number of the issue, not to the text pages
California-
Santa Barbara: —
House of Mr. Ralph Isham. Childs &
Smith, Architects, 2351.
Connecticut —
Bridgeport : —
Fire and Police Station. Leonard Asheim,
Architect, 2369.
Greenwich: —
House of Mr. Duane Armstrong. James
C. Green, Architect, 2365.
Hartford:—
Hartford Times Building. Donn Barber,
Architect. 2365.
New Britain: —
State Normal School Competition. Guil-
bert & Betelle, W. F. Brooks, Aymar
Embury, II, Archiects, 2352.
New Haven: —
House of Mr. B. Austin Cheney. Rossitcr
& Muller, Architects, 2368.
Noroton:—
House of Mr. Cyril Crimmins. Raymond
M. Hood, Architect, 2359.
Cuba-
Havana:—
Primelles Building. Kenneth M. Murchi-
son, Architect, 2365.
Illinois —
Chicago:—
American Book Co. N. Max Dunning,
Architect, 2356.
Bethany Bible School. N. Max Dunning,
Architect, 2354.
Building for Beckley-Ralston Co. Hola-
bird & Roche, Architects, 2364.
Building for R. T. Ederer Co. Holabird &
Roche, Architects, 2364.
Building for Maxwell Sales Co. Holabird
& Roche, Architects 2364.
Cosmopolitan State Bank. Richard E.
Schmidt, Garden & Martin, Architects,
2.J64.
Hotel Webster. Fridstein & Co., Engi-
neers, 2362.
House of Mr. Joseph E. Tilt. Holabird &
Roche, Architects, 2363.
Dixpn : —
Dixon National Bank Building. N. Max
Dunning, Architect, 2356.
Dixon Telephone Co. N. Max Dunning,
Architect, 2356.
Kvanston: —
House of Mr. Louis A. Ferguson. Hola-
bird & Roche, Architects, 2363.
Kenilworth: —
House of Mr. F. C. Traver. N. Max Dun.
ning, Architect, 2354.
Lake Forest: —
House of Robert J. Thorpe, John W. Mc-
Kecknie, Architect; N. Max Dunning,
Associate Architect, 2359.
Urbana: —
Wesley Foundation, University of Illinois.
Holabird & Roche, Architects, 2364.
Wilmette:—
House of Mr. Robert E. Ward. N. Max
Dunning, Architect, 2354.
Massachusetts —
Boston: —
Noyes-Buick Building. Arthur H. Bow-
ditch, Architect, 2357.
Store Building for Penncll, Gibbs & Quir-
ing Co. H. B. Pennell, Architect, 2362.
Boston, South: —
Broadway Theatre. Blackall, Clapp &
Whittemore, Architects, 2369.
Salem: —
Baldwin-Lyman House, Samuel Mclntire,
Architect, 2366.
Cabot-Endicott-Low House. Samuel Mc-
lntire, Architect, 2366.
Details of Old Salem Houses. Samuel
Mclntire, Architect, 2366.
Jeffrey Lang House. Samuel Mclntire,
Architect, 2366.
Old Ladies' Home. Samuel Mclntire,
Architect, 2363.
Pickering House. Samuel Mclntire,
Architect, 2366.
Pierce-Nichols House. Samuel Mclntire,
Architect, 2363.
Richard-Derby House. Samuel Mclntire,
Architect, 2366.
Stearns House. Samuel Mclntire, Archi-
tect, 2366.
Michigan-
Flint:—
Community Building. Davis, McGrath &
Kiesling, Architects, 2365.
Industrial Savings Bank Building. Davis,
McGrath & Kiesling, Architects, 2365.
Missouri —
Kansas City: —
National Cloak & Suit Co. N. Max Dun-
ning, Architect, 2354.
New Jersey —
1'assaic: —
House of Mr. E. I. Woodworth. John F.
Jackson, Architect, 2364.
Redbank:—
House of Mr. Andrew V. Stout. John
Russell Pope, Architect, 2368.
New York—
Bronxville: —
House of Mr. Chapin S. Pratt. Bates &
How, Architects, 2365.
Elmsford:—
House of Mr. Herman Younker. Buch-
man & Kahn, Architect, 2365.
Fieldston: —
House of Mr. John W. Griffin. Dwigbt
James Baum, Architect, 2367.
House of Mr. M. A. Shea. Dwight, James
Baum, Architect, 2367.
Hartsdale:—
House of Mr. R. E. Lewis. Dwight James
Baum, Architect, 2367.
House of Mr. Clarence McDaniel. Julius
Gregory, Architect, 2362.
Loudenville: —
Mendelson Memorial Chapel. Lewis Colt
Albro, Architect, 2368.
New York:—
Ambassador Hotel. Warren & Wetmore,
Architects, 2370.
Borden Building. Buchman & Kahn,
Architect, 2365.
Gotham National Bank Building. Som-
merfeld & Steckler, Architects, 2361.
Guaranty Trust Company, Fifth Avenue.
Cross & Cross, Architects, 2365.
Loft Building. Robert D. Kohn, Archi-
tect, 2368.
Store of Richard Hudnut. G. A. and H.
Boehm, Architects, 2364.
Straus, S. W., & Co. Building. Warren &
Wetmore, Architects, 2370.
Town Hall. McKim, Mead & White,
Architects, 2355.
Riverdale: —
Riverdale Country Club. Dwight James
Baum, Architect, 2367.
Syracuse: —
Blodgett Vocational School, Delaware
School. James A. Randall, Architect,
2353.
Westbury, L. I.:—
House of Mr. James J. Hill. Walker &
Gillette, Architects. 2350.
Oregon —
Portland:—
Scottish Rite Cathedral Competition-
First Prize Design. Sutton & Whitney,
Architects, 2361.
Pennsylvania —
Chestnut Hill:—
House at Chestnut Hill, Pa. Robert R.
McGoodwin, Architect, 2369.
House of Mr. Norjnan Ellison. Robert R.
McGoodwin, Architect. 2369.
House of Mr. Spencer Erwin. Robert R.
McGoodwin, Architect, 2369.
House of Mr. Norman Mackie. Robert R.
McGoodwin, Architect, 2369.
House of Mr. Walter Schwartz. Roberl
R. McGoodwin, Architect, 2369.
House of Dr. George Woodward. Robert
R. McGoodwin, Architect, 2369.
Montrpse: —
House of Mr. Laurence M. Thompson.
Lewis E. Welsh, Architect, 2365.
Wisconsin —
Kenosha:—
House of Mr. C. D. Barnes. N. Max Dun-
ning. Architect, 2359.
Kenosha Hospital. N. Max Dunning,
Architect, 2356.
Newell Memorial Chapel. N. Max Dun-
ning, Architect, 2356.
Office for Simmons Mfg. Co. N. Max
Dunning, Architect, 2354.
Menasha: —
First National Bank. Childs & Smith,
Architects, 2351.
House of Mr. Mowry Smith. Childs &
Smith, Architects, 2364.
Menasha Cafe. Childs & Smith, Archi-
tects, 2364.
"House of Mr. G. S. Gaylord. Childs &
Smith. Architects. 2369.
House of Mr. A. C. Gilbert. Childs &
Smith, Architects, 2351.
' (
tn''*, v**-
*-7
</^fc> Vu.tt,4-<T(f /. "0 . ( ^. Z
•J> i
,- ?
/ / ''(L
I I L
.-,-,
, - / <
£'?^
- rf<' /'^~
VV— AlM.lV-* p| fc-M.
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANCAUY TO Jr.NK. 1921
an iiinnuittiN uiini'iniiiii iiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iNiiiiii!iiiiiiiiiiiiii!iiiiii '! »'ii«iiiin n m
iininiiiiiiniiHiin iiiiniiiiii niiiiimiiinii iiiiinimii " «1[l l:l '
The American Architect
Specification Manual for 1921
THE American Architect Specification Manual, edition of
1921, is now being prepared and will be ready for dis-
tribution about August 1st.
We publish this volume as a service rendered to the profes-
sion which supports our publication, and copies of the Manual
will be supplied (until the stock is distributed) free of charge
to all practicing architects sending us requests on their office
stationery. Many requests for the 1921 edition have already
reached us, and we suggest that promptness in forwarding
these requests is desirable in order to secure a volume before
the' stock is exhausted.
We take this opportunity to express appreciation of the
cordial welcome given previous editions of the Manual.
These were supplied to more than 3,000 architects in
America, and have proved of practical value in the prepara-
tion of specifications, as evidenced by hundreds of letters
received by us from architectural offices heartily commend-
ing the work.
The 1921 edition will be of greater size and importance than
its predecessors, and will contain more than 170 specifica-
tions of standard building materials and processes. These
specifications embody in condensed language the result of
many years of experience of hundreds of experts in the use of
the materials and methods specified.
Mr. Gardner C. Coughlen, Executive Secretary of the Amer-
ican Specification Institute, is acting as editor of the 1921
Manual. This is an indication of the quality of the form of
the specification material.
The American Architect
ll""l""l""i"» " ' IIIIIIIIII!J" »»11 ™»"»»«' ' »»»'« ' "m. „ ,, „„„„„„„ „ ,„„„„„„ ,„„ „,„„„„., „, ^J
/
THE CATHEDRAL, WETZLAR, GERMANY
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
VOL. CXIX
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1921
NUMBER 2350
The Practice of Architecture in 1921
The Future as Viewed by C. H. Blackall, F. A. I. A.
IN THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT of June 5, 1918,
when the hopes of the great war were at their
lowest ebb. the writer ventured to make certain
predictions as to what architecture would be after
the war. So far not one of those predictions has
come true. The much anticipated revival of business
has not taken place. There have been sporadic de-
velopments, and a' few of the favored ones have been
very busy, but building as a whole has not flourished
since the war in any general locality, and if we may
make some rough approximations from general sta-
tistics, there are not as many architects in practice
today as there were in 1918, and the amount of work
available is very much less. It would be very easy,
and perhaps quite natural, to deduce from this that
the prospects are altogether disappointing, that the
hopes we had cherished in the time of our stress
were not justified and that the future is no more
clear now that it was then. Now what is the
answer ?
The eclipse which the profession suffered during
the war has fairly passed away. In fact, even dur-
ing the latter years of the war some of the most im-
portant war work was entrusted to members of our
profession, not merely the housing, which after all
was simply a pot-boiler, but the more serious engi-
neering works which assumed the magnitude of mon-
uments ; and we are as a profession in a better shape
to handle our work because of the experiences which
we had, and especially because of the chastening in-
difference which the public and the authorities evinced
for several years to our high professional claims. As
I see it, the profession is more nearly on a business
basis than ever before. The discussions which took
place in the last convention of the American Insti-
tute of Architects were on the whole so eminently
practical and so free from mere professionalism that
they showed how we have been forced to look at our
calling, and there has been such a wide-spread interest
in the business and the so-called practical side of
architecture that there must be something behind it
more than the mere desire of the members of the
profession to get work. In fact, one of the character-
istics of the attitude of the profession has been that
it ought not to try to get work. Perhaps it would
have been better if we had tried more earnestly and
more intelligently; perhaps we would have more
work and more public esteem if we were more ready
to take part in the constant fight for recognition ; per-
haps we would stand higher if we were not so re-
tiring. Surely when so much emphasis is placed on
the manner of doing and getting our work, and on
the necessity of 'doing our work right from the busi-
ness and scientific as well as the imaginative side, it
is pretty good evidence that the profession has cast
away a very considerable proportion of the purely
professional attitude which so hampered it during
the war.
From the standpoint of carrying out our work,
there is every reason to anticipate conditions will con-
stantly improve in the next few months. Also in our
offices conditions will improve. Few of the young
men who entered the service of the government dur-
ing the war came out of it with credit. They shared
in the general let-down which affected all classes and
conditions, not excepting the architects themselves,
and we were forced to put up with indifferent co-
operation and inefficient assistance. That is changing
fast, and by spring we will have a better choice of
help and more hearty co-operation than we have had
for six years. That will mean better architecture.
better satisfaction to our clients and a better feeling
on all sides. As to what part of the work will come
to us in the future, opinions may vary, but there are
a number of cases which have been noted where the
architect has resumed not only his past importance as
a director of work, but where he has been looked to
in a degree which would have been impossible before
the days of the war. In one city the writer knows
of a large project involving tens of millions which a
few years ago would have come to the architect only
after all the preliminaries were decided, but in this
case the architects were called in first and were able
to assist at the very beginning of the whole con-
ception. This is only one of the many instances
which are on record.
Copyright, 1931, The Architectural if Building Press (Inc.)
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
As to how much work the architects will have, it
is my belief that those who have had in the past and
have shown their ability will have a great deal more ;
that as a result of the stress of the war period, the
public will be more cautious about accepting an archi-
uvt -imply because he is a good fellow, or well con-
nected, and that the profession will see more than
ever before the rise of the architect, or architectural
organization, controlling many millions of work, and
the subordination of the men of limited experience
and ability to the smaller work. This is inevitable and
will mean better architecture, better execution, and
in the long run better professional feeling. One archi-
tectural combination is reported as having work run-
ning up to seventy-five millions of dollars. It is a fair
probability that this concern with seventy millions of
work will do it better, more thoroughly, more effi-
ciently and more economically than would have been
possible at any time before the war for an architect,
or group of architects, to do one-tenth part of that
work. The war lessons have not all been hard. Some
of them we have been able to take very much to
heart, and the most valuable, as I see it, is the need of
association, the impossibility of one man doing it
all, and the inevitableness of the concentration of
large work in the hands of the few who are best fitted
for it. This may seem like restricting the hopes of
the young men. On the contrary, it greatly increases
the horizon for every yourig man who will take the
pains to fit himself properly for his profession, for
the opportunities of the profession are not measured
by the average chance, but by the higher prizes ; and
with the country suffering as it does now from under-
building in every line, with the vast accumulation of
wealth in the hands of banks, trustees, insurance com-
panies and the like, which will be readily available for
legitimate building operations, I look to see a revival
of building such as the world has never seen be-
fore, when we will have opportunities measured only
by our capabilities, when those who are able to take,
will have both hands full. But we must not, and we
cannot, forget the lessons of the war, nor ignore the
extent to which we must live up to the best of our
profession and must treat our calling as a very exact-
ing business, a very definite science and the highest
art which man can make manifest in this world.
The Relationship between Architecture
and Building
The Present Conditions and Future Prosperity of the Building Industry
By Louis JAY HOROWITZ, President, Thompson-Starrett Co.
THE Editor of THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT has
asked me to express in this article my views
as to the relationship between architect and
builder, and the present condition and future pros-
pects of the building industry. One may, at best, of-
fer only a surmise as to what is in store for the in-
dustry in the near future, but of the absolute need of
co-operation between Architect and Builder in every
operation, I may be allowed to speak with sympathy
and conviction.
I am unalterably opposed to the methods of some
contractors who seek to dispense with the architect
and who attempt to embrace in their activities both
the design of a building and its execution. I am
opposed to it, not from any sentimental reason for
the architect, but from purely business reasons for
the owner. The designing and planning of buildings
is in itself a special and separate study, and the con-
tractor who treats it as just one more addition to the
great variety of his labors is not only slighting the
architect's profession, but disparaging architecture
itself, and needs to be reminded (loth as I am to ad-
mit it!) that architects are remembered when build-
ers are forgotten. Sir Christopher Wren designed
St. Paul's Cathedral, but who built it? However,
the architect's case does not rest on tradition alone,
but on efficiency. His is a cereer of true specializa-
tion, and with the constantly rising cost of space in
modern cities, it is sheer folly to underestimate the
services of one who devotes his talents to utilizing it
to the best advantage.
Obversely, I may be permitted the privilege of
saying, that the contractor cannot wisely be dis-
pensed with by the architect. Indeed, this must be
so, or the other side of the argument falls to the
ground. A properly-conducted building operation de-
mands the services of both architect and contractor,
and, for either to dismiss the services of the other as
superfluous, is to create a situation inherently un-
sound and unsafe. I will not assume to define the
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
limits of the architect's work, but I violate no con-
fidence when I say, that the contractor's end of the
proposition, if skillfully and conscientiously handled,
will provide his organization with all it can do. In
these days of collusive bidding, complex transporta-
tion problems, high wages, shortage of skilled me-
chanics, and other economic difficulties, a contractor
has enough to do to cope with his own tasks without
assuming those for which he is not fitted. It is de-
plorable that many contractors fail either to appre-
ciate the gravity of these problems or to overcome
them, and certainly any attempt to enlarge upon
their difficulties by adding architecture to the list,
may be set down as due to an excess of zeal for their
own interests at the expense of the client.
Still another advantage in having an architect is
that he is equipped to supervise and check the work
of the contractors, and to see that promises of speed
and economy are kept without sacrificing the spe-
cifications. Having no financial interest in the build-
ing beyond his fee, he is detached and impartial, can
be depended upon to see that justice is done to his
client, and is ideally situated to act in an advisory and
supervisory capacity. Obviously, when an architect
takes the contractor's place, too, he loses much of
that detachment and impartiality, for however zeal-
ous his dual labors as both architect and contractor
his zeal can hardly be expected to include criticism
of his own work ! And in any event his fee is in-
adequate to maintain a great organization on his
payroll, and without such an organization the work
is bound to suffer in efficiency and to expand in cost.
Coming to the second part of my assignment, the
present condition of the building industry is obvious-
ly due to three changes :
1. Universal business depression.
2. Inability in many instances to finance building
prospects.
3. Disposition of owners to wait for stabilizing
of material and labor costs.
The pre.-;ent depression is, of course, one of the
aftermaths of the great conflict, and no man can say
just how long it will continue. One may only hazard
a guess, and risk the prophecy. But it is my per-
sonal opinion that most of the drastic processes of
post-war readjustment should be over in the early
part of 1921 and that we may reasonably look for
a gradual recrudescence of confidence from that time
on. It may be argued that the present chaos in Wall
street — which is the barometer of economic cycles —
hardly justifies a spirit of optimism at this time. But
my own conviction is, that that is just what it does
justify. The great consolation in having things so
bad that they cannot be worse, is that they have
got to get better. It is blackest before the dawn, and
swift as have been the disillusionments of recent
months, the restoration of confidence will be swifter
still when it starts, for the world reacts to prosperity
as its rightful heritage, but has no use for trouble.
With a return of confidence money will be easier,
building loans more readily available, and to em-
ploy Webster's famous figure (though times are not
so bad as when he used it) "The corpse of public
credit will spring to its feet."
As for building costs, I do not luok fur any re-
duction in the scale of wages ; but inasmuch as labor
is much more efficient today than it has been for sev-
eral years past, higher wages will be absorbed by
more skillful and competent workmanship. Neither
do I look for any substantial reduction in the cost of
building materials, though it is sure to take place in
such lines as have been unduly susceptible to in-
flation. But I believe that many materials, such as
lumber, for example, are selling well below produc-
tion cost at this time on account of forced liquidation
to raise cash. There is, in other words, no serious
obstacle beyond the cited shortage of confidence and
credit to prevent much longer a period of great
building activity to take care of requirements whose
figures are estimated at five billions of dollars.
The Relationship between the Architect
and the Engineer
An Interview with Kort Berle, M. Am.Soc. C. E., of the Firm of Gunvald Aus
Company, Consulting Engineers, New York City
AFTER a very full and free discussion with
Mr. Berle of the relationship between the
architect and engineer as it exists and as it
should be one could not avoid carrying away the
impression that if the feeling of admiration and
rstrrm and the attitude of helpful co-operation
which exists between this engineering firm and some
of its clients could prevail throughout the two pro-
fessions there would be no need of any discussion of
this much debated subject. But Mr. Berle feels
that ideal relationship does not generally exist, and
for this condition he believes the architects them-
selves are largely to blame.
"What, in your opinion," we asked Mr. Berle.
"could and should be done to improve present con-
ditions?" His answer was readily forthcoming.
"Simply a recognition on the part of architects of
the highly professional nature of engineering which
makes possible the erection of structures which
arouse the awe of our European visitors. The archi-
tect frequently views the structural engineer as no
more than a draftsman capable only of pushing a
slide rule in figuring the size of beams and getting
out structural drawings. In this conception he is en-
tirely at fault. The ability to compute loads and
stresses and set forth the results by drawings is in-
deed a necessary attribute for the engineer engaged
in building construction, but engineering is much
more than this, as any architect of important struc-
tures will realize. The failure on the part of archi-
tects to recognize and properly evaluate the services
of the engineer, and to accord him a place as an as-
sociate, tends to place the engineer in a position so
subordinate that it is unfair. How often, event on
buildings of great magnitude, is the name of the en-
gineer mentioned? In the presentation of work in
the architectural press, the engineer's name is almost
invariably conspicuous by its absence. Surely the
mention of the man upon whose work the stability
of the structure depends would in no way detract
from the credit accruing to the architect. Architects
decry the practice of the daily press in so often omit-
ting any mention of the architect's name, yet in their
own press they very often deny the engineer the same
recognition for which they — however justly — criti-
cise others.
"I have often talked over this matter with promi-
nent architects, and they feel that my attitude on this
subject is absolutely correct, and that in order to
foster a greater co-operation and a more friendly
feeling between these brother professions, the archi-
tect must recognize the engineer as a fellow profes-
sional man, and not merely as a subordinate.
"I do not wish in any way to depreciate the splen-
did work of the architects, and am greatly gratified
lo see a constant improvement in building design."
Mr. Berle then led the writer around the office,
pointing out pictures of various structures ranging
from the humble warehouse to the lofty Woolworth
Tower, and called my attention to their excellent ar-
chitectural treatment, over which he waxed so en-
thusiastic that one would have thought him an artist
rather than the keen, calculating engineer that he is.
Probably his former connection as Chief Engineer
of the Supervising Architect's office in Washington
and his many years of close contact with some of our
foremost architects, have much to do with his high
appreciation of art in architecture.
Since in several recent instances structural engi-
neers have been commissioned by the owners to han-
dle the entire work — both architectural and engineer-
ing— we questioned Mr. Berle as to his views on such
practices. We found him absolutely convinced that
such an arrangement was all wrong. To the ar-
rangement by which the engineer became associated
with an architectural organization as a member of
the firm, he saw no particular objection and felt that
such combinations led to a better understanding be-
tween the members of both professions, while at the
same time placing them on an absolutely equal foot-
ing as professional men. However, except where the
volume of business handled by an architectural or-
ganization was very large, he expressed doubt as to
the possibility of the engineer member of the firm
keeping busy all the time on engineering work.
"Some few architects," said Mr. Berle, "have their
structural work performed in their own office by the
employment of an engineer and assistants on a sal-
ary basis. It should be self-evident that such an ar-
rangement cannot properly fulfill requirements. For
it is safe to say that no engineer of ability and high
standing in his profession would be satisfied to hold
so subordinate a position and which, necessarily,
would be very limited as to compensation and ad-
vancement as well as to scope of work."
"In my opinion," said Mr. Berle, "the best inter-
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
ests are served by the architect calling to his assist-
ance a consulting engineer of the highest reputation
and one in whom he can place absolute confidence.
He should call upon him to co-operate in the work
from its earliest preliminary stages. By such an ar-
rangement the architect can secure the very highest
type of engineering service and he is obliged to pay
only for the work performed."
The importance of this close co-operation during
all stages of the work, and of the architect immedi-
ately calling to the attention of the engineer any
changes, he illustrated by mentioning an instance in
which on a certain piece of work a 20 in. by 80 Ib.
I-beam was to span an entrance opening. Due to a
change in the fagade requiring a shallower beam,
the size specified was replaced by two 12 in. by 40
Ib. I-beams without the engineer's knowledge. The
result was unfortunate in that the excess deflection
of the beams caused very serious cracks in the stone
faqade. In this case 2 + 2 did not equal 4.
WE next discussed bridges and the desirability
of architectural treatment on such structures.
Here we found Mr. Berle placed the highest im-
portance upon architectural co-operation. He pointed
to the Hell Gate bridge as a most excellent example.
But in such work he felt the order should be re-
vised— that while in building design the architect
should be the guiding head. "We must have a head
to everything, you know," he said — and the engineer
his co-operating associate, in the case of bridges the
engineer should be the directing head, and the archi-
tect the co-operating associate. "I would be the last
to depreciate the value of aesthetically designed
structures, and certainly, beauty of line should be an
object sought for in the design of any bridge." In
the matter of bridge approaches, he felt the architect
could render and has already rendered most valuable
service.
He denounced the practice of some architects who
seek to obtain "free" engineering services from con-
tracting firms, such as the design of their structural
work. "While this service is free to the architect,"
stated Mr. Berle, "it costs money to some one, and
although it may be indirectly charged, the owner ul-
timately has to pay for it. It is just as much a viola-
tion of a proper ethical code to obtain so-called free
engineering service as to endeavor to have the con-
tractor furnish free architectural service. Both are
practised, but neither is conducive to the best inter-
ests of either the owner or the two professions, and
no architect can in the long run continue such
methods and retain either his self-respect or his pro-
fessional reputation."
Another point Mr. Berle made was the discrimina-
tion between the structural and mechanical engineer
by the code of the Institute. It is here stated that
the mechanical engineer should be paid a fee (on the
value of all mechanical equipment) by the owner,
whereas no such distinction is made in the case of
the structural engineer, who must conduct his own
negotiations with the architect as to the amount of
his fee, which the architect must pay out of his own
often-too-meager compensation.
"Why not at least put both structural and me-
chanical engineer in the same class?" he queried.
"In justice both to the architect and the structural
engineer, the Institute code should again be revised,
so that all engineering services be paid for by the
owner. This would perhaps, more than anything
else, tend to make the relationship between the two
professions more nearly what it should be."
In closing, Mr. Berle expressed his belief that a
closer co-operation was already more evident and
that the engineering profession welcomed it. The
future binges entirely on a better understanding.
The Financial Outlook
By FRANCIS 11. S.SSON. rice-President, Guaranty Trust Company of New York.
WITH economic conditions in this country
fundamentally sound, the great need of the
hour, as we turn from retrospection to face
the prospects of the New Year, is constructive think-
ing. If faith alone has moved mountains, surely faith
plus brain power can put the world on a new and
stable peace basis.
We are richly endowed with all the assets for our
full participation in that task and the wonderful fu-
ture that lies ahead of us when the task shall have
been completed— but we seem to lack faith. As we
stand on the threshold of the New Year and of the
door to the greatest opportunities ever opened to any
nation in all history, we hesitate and doubt. Like
those who cannot see the forest for the trees, we are
too prone to exaggerate our liabilities and not only
belittle but even ignore our vast resources.
Leadership that will direct our national thought
into logical channels and more in accord with our
manifest destiny is imperatively demanded as we
enter 1921. And it is the duty of the Government,
especially Congress, to assume that leadership.
Congress has never faced more important prob-
lems than those which confront it today. It is faced
with the necessity of not only enacting constructive
legislation but also of repealing obstructive laws.
\Yhile many changes should be made in our exist-
ing tax law in the interest of business progress, the
first and most important step in tax revision should
be the repeal of the Excess Profits tax. This tax
may have been justified as a war measure, but it
clearly has no place in peace-time legislation, and
few, if any, tenable arguments can be advanced in
favor of its retention. On the other hand, the argu-
ments offered against it have become so familiar that
it is useless to discuss them. Let it suffice to say
that the inequalities resulting from its application are
so great as to condemn it absolutely and fully justify
its repeal at the earliest possible moment.
Although the adoption of a budget system and the
introduction of a more economical system of admin-
istering the Government will materially reduce the
aggregate amount of revenue required for the sup-
port of the Government, it seems likely that the rapid
fall of prices which we are now experiencing and the
existing depression in business will adversely affect
the amount of revenue to be derived from income
taxes. It will, therefore, be incumbent upon Con-
gress to adopt a new method of taxation which will
serve to make up the deficit resulting from the re-
peal of the Excess Profits tax.
SOME form of sales tax at a low rate seems to
offer the least objectionable substitute for the
Excess Profits tax, since it would be most produc-
tive and would be so widely distributed that it would
not prove unduly burdensome. Such taxes will not
have the tendency to encourage extravagance and
penalize business efficiency, as is the case with the
Excess Profits tax, and, on the other hand, from the
standpoint of the Government, will not be subject to
great fluctuation in periods of business depression
and may be easily administered. Sales taxes can no
longer be regarded as experiments, if we can rely
upon the reports of the success of these taxes in
Canada, the Philippines, and France, and to a limited
degree in several other countries.
The great burden of war taxation has brought
home to business men with added force the need of
adopting as a permanent part of our machinery of
Government, a well-organized budget system which
will result in the placing of the financial operations
of the Government on a scientific basis, thereby help-
ing to eliminate waste and extravagance. Legislation,
to this end, should be first considered by Congress.
Of equal importance, as compared with the prob-
lem of taxation, is the state of our international
relations and their effect on our present and future
foreign trade. In spite of the fact that more than
two years have elapsed since the signing of the armis-
tice, we are still, theoretically at least, in a state of
war with Germany and her allies. No doubt exists
as to the necessity for the establishment, at the
earliest possible moment, of a state of peace with
these countries and the strengthening of international
economic relations with the whole world. While it
seems probable that the present period of industrial
depression is but a temporary one and that it is only
a question of time before our industries will be
functioning as usual, it is quite evident that our
future prosperity is largely dependent upon our
international trade.
Valuable service can be rendered through the en-
larging of the Government's facilities for obtaining
prompt and accurate information in regard to condi-
tions existing in foreign countries which will affect
our foreign trade, and the prompt distribution of
this information to business concerns who can use
it.
Of equal importance with the enactment of legisla-
tion necessary to placing the Government on a
sound business, is efficient administration of existing
laws.
Basically, as I have stated, economic conditions in
the United States are absolutely sound, and what is
chiefly needed to preserve our prosperity is just com-
mon-sense, constructive co-operation between Con-
gress and the progressive business interests of the
country.
The Real Estate Outlook for 1921
A Forecast for the Year by One of the Country's Most Prominent Real Estate
Operators, Who Believes Architects to Be So Important in Our
Complex Scheme of Civilization that They "Can Either
Make or Break Real Estate Values"
By JOSEPH P. DAY
REAL estate, not only in New York City and
the so-called Metropolitan Zone, but also
throughout the entire country, has had a
wonderful period of prosperity during the past year,
and the outlook is for continued activity during 1921.
The scarcity of buildings of all kinds has had the
effect of increasing valuations and also has brought
this greatest form of investment into stronger hands
than ever before in the history of the country.
In the first place there has been and is to-day a
distinct shortage of places of residence. The war
brought on a recession of building of this class of
structure, except in certain industrial centres where
houses were erected to accommodate the war worker.
' Private operations came practically to a standstill
and the high prices precluded the possibility of spec-
ulative builders erecting houses for the open market.
Builders, however, went into the field of construct-
ing war plants and large industrial buildings to meet
what was then the most pressing demand, with the
result that apartments and dwellings were neglected.
This had the effect of increasing values, because the
demand far exceeded the supply. Those operators
and speculators who owned multi-family houses
were obliged to raise rents in order to meet the in-
creased cost of operation, but, unfortunately, there
were some. who took advantage of the situation to
increase rentals beyond reason. This caused the pas-
sage of certain restrictive legislation in New York
State and in some other states throughout the coun-
try, though these laws have a time limit, when it is
hoped that the supply will be more nearly equal to
the demand than to-day.
Students of real estate conditions throughout the
country are all of the opinion that we are working
into a period of construction. This will be com-
menced just as soon as the building material prices
recede to a sufficiently low level and when labor be-
comes more plentiful. The trend at the present time
is toward lower prices and freer labor conditions,
and unless something unforeseen occurs the building
move should begin within the next few months. Once
building starts the market will assume a more
healthy tone.
At the present time there is no particular shortage
of industrial buildings, because many of the war-
time plants have been built to a far larger than
peace-time requirements, but this additional space
will soon be absorbed by other concerns which will
devote their energies toward making products pre-
cluded by war needs.
At the present time the financial interests are con-
cerned with general business conditions, and they
are only willing to make commitments where neces-
sity is shown. The country, however, is so big and
it has such recuperative powers that the money mar-
ket should soon be readjusted and normal condi-
tions again obtain.
"Booms" in real estate are not desirable. Of
course money is made, but there is always a "throw-
back" which interferes with the normal conduct of
business and in the end hampers real progress. In
the case of vacant lots, I look to see a forward move-
ment, which will last for some time to come. When
the builders again enter the field thousands and
thousands of vacant lots will be absorbed, with the
result that not only the actual land improved will
enhance in value, but the effect will be felt by the
property in the vicinity.
So far as realty in the cities is concerned, those sec-
tions which are served with transit lines will be the
first to feel the benefits, and then later those more re-
mote will come in for their proportionate share.
This is of course logical, and I believe that history
will repeat itself. In suburban sections, not served
with real transit, those tracts which are accessible
by good roads will be developed first and then the
outlying sections will be marketed.
AVAST number of people have made money
during the war, and I look to see an active
market for country estates in all sections of the
country, within reasonable distances from the city.
The automobile has, of course, been a great factor in
bringing these properties into the market and has
made them available for this purpose, where hereto-
fore farming was the only use to which they could
be put.
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
I look to -ee the auction market in vacant lots more
active than ever before. There are many reasons
why thi^ should be the case. Let us say that a large
tract of lanil i> under one ownership and is located
near transit and within a reasonable distance from a
city. The owner, to sell this property at private
treaty, must have a large selling force, do a great
deal of advertising over a long period, and go
through a large amount of trouble and annoyance
before he finally get> rid of his holding.
The auction market provides a means whereby he
can di>po-e of all his property at one time, through
one advertising campaign, assuming, of course, he
engages an auctioneer with a sufficiently large and
well equipped organization to handle his property.
On the day set his property is offered and sold and
then he is relieved from further responsibility.
Naturally his property must have merit and the sale
must be held at a time when there is a demand for
that particular class of property, but my experience
is that in a properly conducted campaign of education
the advantages of buying at auction can be shown
to those residing in the community and the result
should be that the seller gets a fair price for his
property and the buyer obtains a plot which will
meet his requirements.
The selling of property at auction takes it out of
one ownership and places it in the hands of many.
This means enhancement, because it is frequently
the case that where a property is long and closely
held it acts as a detriment to the neighborhood,
rather than an advantage.
The country is so large and the interests of the
inhabitants are so varied that it is hard to lay down
any fast and set rules which will apply universally.
One thing is certain, however. Real estate is the fin-
est investment in the world. The man who owns
realty is his own "Board of Directors" and he has
no one to account to, except the municipality. So
long as he obeys the laws on the statute books he has
nothing to fear, and it is only right that this should
be so. If in certain sections there are unjust laws,
they can be repealed and should be repealed. It is
simply up to the citizens of that locality.
There are three essentials to life here on earth.
The first is food, the second is clothing and the third
is housing. So long as there are humans on this
globe these three must be provided. So far as the
third named is concerned the architect plays a most
important part. He is a specialist. It is up to him
to see that proper houses of all types are designed.
He can either make or break real estate values. Too
much importance cannot be placed on this phase of
the situation. I hope that architectural schools and
colleges will be encouraged and that the standard of
the profession will always be kept on the present high
level.
Good Workmanship the True Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship as Viewed by a Man Who Believes That the Designer of
Anything Should Be as Familiar with the Best Designing That Has Been
Done in the Past as He Is with His Own Collar Button, and That
the Designer of Anything at All Should Be a Profound Student
Before He Is Allowed Any Freedom as a Craftsman
By "TRAVI/' Craftsman
IN this iconoclastic age when little is held sacred
and nearly everything prostituted, words are
also taken liberties with, usually through ignor-
ance, until they through common misuse lose their
original meaning. As craftsmen now are makers of
pantaloons and "artists" shavers of men's faces, it
is rather foolish and misleading to use either of these
words in connection with this very much in earnest
work. Craftsmanship is just Good Workmanship,
judged from the standpoint of an earlier and more
capable period when workmen's ideals were higher
and their work as much a matter of religion as their
church ; when their interest had more to do with the
excellence of their handicraft and was not entirely
devoted to the clock and the pay envelope.
It is work done as conscientiously, as carefully
finished and in the same reverential spirit as the work-
done in the past. Consequently it is of no commer-
cial value and of little interest to anybody — from a
factory standpoint — as it takes too long to do and is
too costly. It is done more or less in the spirit of
the work done in the seventeenth century and earlier,
with a striving after the directness and simplicity of
methods which are necessarily brought about by
working entirely by hand and "feeling" and dis-
pensing with any mechanical shortcuts to results.
Doing this usually necessitates the going back to
simple, fundamental types of tools (many of which
the modern workman has forgotten the use of and
does not even know the names of) and which are
better suited for fashioning the different materials
to be used, and to bring about results as near as pos-
sible to those achieved when the workman knew of
little or no machinery and scorned to use it if he did.
In the past, during the periods when the most
beautiful work was done, the tools used were very
few. Now there has never in the history of the
world been so many tools or such an infinite variety
of them, and of machinery, and yet our world is all
"messed up" with cheap and inferior performances
done with both, with the exception of course of tools
of precision for scientific purposes and instruments
of accuracy. All of which would very likely better
fulfill their missions if they were of better design.
THE primitive (for want of a belter word) in
man, or his human side, seems never satisfied
with the things he handles in everyday life, as they
have little appeal to his imagination. A man always
likes a tool which he thinks he could have made him-
self, and sooner or later he usually tries and does do
so. Man is a creative animal and to be happy must
use his hands to fashion things with.
So it seems that the obvious thing lacking in mod-
ern workmanship is the human note — a slight blem-
ish on a thing or an irregularity gives it more in-
dividuality and human interest, than something
turned out "standardized," "inspected," "O. K'd"
and what not. Another deplorable thing is the lack
of sense of proportion generally and the small at-
tention paid to design. Most things in the arts,
crafts, industries and textiles are poorly designed,
not well or strongly made. But finished to the last
degree. Always finish with no merit beneath the
skin. So everything is more or less covered with
glitter of some kind — varnish, plating or dressing —
"dolled up" in some way, to catch the eye of ignor-
ance. It is a Jerry-built world we are living in at
present and man's performance with his hands, of
every kind, make a sorry showing and are very in-
ferior to the best which has been done in art, archi-
tecture and workmanship of the past.
To go back to our work-bench :
All the work is done, in whatever material, whether
it is mural painting or miniature, sculpture or etch-
ing in metal or glass, enamelling metal, inlaying
amethyst in lead, carving alabaster or jade, ivory,
carved wood or brick, pargetry, intarsia, sgraffito,
scagliola, building buttressed stone walls, forging
iron work, plaster work, brass, adzing wooden tim-
ber and inlaying them with lead and bone and harder
and more precious woods, or mosaic or tiling, all of
it and any of it is done with practically the same tools
and with a selection from not more than twenty
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
types. The material is of only incidental interest,
ft is the beauty and character of the design and true
feeling of it, and tin- "tooling" of the material that is
the essence. It i- equally pos>ible to put this feeling
in any of the materials mentioned ahove.
Modern jewelry, for instance, is designed more
like left-over designs for Victorian ice pitchers than
like beautiful trinkets. The spirit of jewelry is not
there and only the value of the material is consid-
ered. In other words, that part of the mind which
"cash regi>ter>" is pleased and not the eye or the
aesthetic sense, with the beauty of form and design.
The designer of anything at all should be a pro-
found student before he is allowed any activity and
should be as familiar with the best designing that
has been done in the past as he is with his own collar
button. But most of them do not read enough, many
of them do not read at all. Otherwise the libraries
and art museums would not have the atmosphere of
churches or have to advertise for visitors. The art
museums and public libraries, particularly the
Museum Library in the Metropolitan Museum
of Art, are looked upon by the public as sacred
tombs of dead achievements (very "highbrow" and
visited and entered by people more or less on their
"tip-toes") instead of being as they are, like banks
with untold riches in them to be drawn upon by any-
one, whenever one feels like doing so. Museums
and libraries are the friendly temples of modern
times and have much of the maternal atmosphere
which built up the early Christian church and made
it the mighty institution and power it still is. Bless
them, and all of the kindly folk connected with them.
People are apt to feel that all of the works in the
museums are exceptional examples of past work-
manship when really nearly everything in them with
the exception of the world famous examples of
paintings, sculpture, etc., by known masters, are
simply the average work which every skilled work-
man was doing at that time. They must have had a
jolly time in the doing of it — there is a noticeable
sense of humor through it all.
1AM wholly in sympathy with the modern work-
men and 1 am for them, and think they have
been cheated out of all the fun of their work. I be-
lieve if they could get some of their individuality
"out of their systems" by more work fashioned by
their own hands, there would be more happiness and
pride of work, and less unrest, as I believe every
man is a potential artist or craftsman of sorts if he
had the opportunity to develop, and we are mostly
Cro-Magnon cave-men.
I know it is so from my own experience. 1 have
had men who were "failures" and could do nothing
in particular and were "Jacks of all trades," (which
last by the way are the most intelligent persons one
may meet.) They were usually "fond of tools," how-
ever, and rarely younger than fifty years old, or
older. And in a month or less they were doing
amazingly beautiful work. Which proves the over-
estimation of technique. To me one of the most im-
pressive thingj in .nature is an unusually intelligent
man. He can almost without effort or any previous
knowledge, do anything and understand almost any-
thing. It is such men who like this work and the
doing of it. The technical end of the work is usually
only a matter of explanation, after which he finds
his own way and individuality and becomes a master
of it and not a "hand."
All of this exemplifies the spirit of this way of
working and it is no "stunt" nor is there anything
remarkable about it. Nor is it done in the Green-
wich Village spirit of faddish amateurism and af-
fectation. It is a man-size job done by real he-men
of middle age who have a great time doing it as they
know it is good and they are proud of it and feel
kindly toward everybody. What is to be lamented
is that it is so costly that it is only for the rich in
culture, wealth and knowledge as it is done regard-
less of time or expense, and for that reason I repeat
what I said in the beginning — "of little commercial
value and of small interest to the average public."
Although as "Lo the poor Indian" used to say, "It
is good medicine."
10
What Architects May Think About in 1921
A Summary of Numerous Conversations with Many Prominent Members
of the Profession of Architecture, in Which the Subjects
Treated in This Article Stood Out Above All Else
Editor's Note:
To stand as a sign-post of intellectual activity in any
profession is a rather dangerous and quite often a
thankless task. Dangerous because the men who com-
pose any of the professions, and especially that of archi-
tecture, are not the sort, naturally, given to pliant sub-
mission in matters affecting their individual processes
of thinking. Thankless because professional men
rightly resent any arbitrary attempt to "direct their
thought."
This article has been written with these factors thor-
oughly in mind. There has not been the slightest idea,
in its writing, of assuming a "thou shall think thus"
attitude. Rather, it is an honest attempt to speak
frankly and more or less fully of certain phases of the
profession of architecture which appear to the Editor
of this journal to be the things most important in
architectural thought for the coming year. It is not an
editorial, but rather, as has been stated, a summary of
numerous conversations in which the things spoken of
throughout the article seemed to dominate the intellec-
tual activity of many prominent members of the pro-
fession.
WHAT are the important things for architects
to think about in 1921 ?
This is a broad question. To answer it
fully would require volume upon volume, and would
really get one nowhere. A better approach to the
subject, and a more satisfactory one, is to limit what-
ever discussion there is upon the matter to a few
things which seem to be significant and which ap-
pear to be the things which architects actually will
give most thought to during the year. With that
view in mind, prominent architects in all parts of the
country were called upon by this journal, either per-
sonally or by means of correspondence, to tell what
they considered the big things for 1921. In order to
get a frank expression of opinion, it was necessary
to promise that no individual would be directly
quoted. That promise has been strictly maintained.
One of the outstanding facts developed in this
canvass of opinion had to do with the conservation
of architectural resources. There was not a single
architect who did not speak of this as a vital affair.
It was not looked upon as a constantly recurring
and therefore hackneyed subject. One architect in
speaking of it, said :
"It is time we do more in this matter. All archi-
tects realize that it is a most vital affair. We have
discussed it from almost every conceivable angle,
but what have we actually done?"
Another member of the profession, internationally
famous, spoke of the conservation of architectural
resources as it applies to large cities, such as New
York or Chicago. What he said was both interesting
and novel, since it got away from what might be
termed the usual architectural viewpoint.
"The only way you can conserve architectural re-
sources," he said, looking down upon a section of
New York which distinctly emphasized the necessity
for such conservation, "is to pass a constitutional
amendment defeated some years ago on excess con-
demnation. The law provides authority for state or
city to take what it needs for highways or other pub-
lic uses by condemnation, but no condemnation in
excess of actual usage. The New York Times, when
that paper was in the height of its power, editorially
opposed it on the ground that it was likely to be mis-
used and become a powerful factor for graft. That
may be the price you have to pay for improvement,
in a public democracy. Central Park itself was built
by a notorious political administration. The Speed-
way similarly. Other public improvements have
been done the same way. But- the Times opposed it.
If you had the right of excess condemnation the
scheme suggested could have the right of resale
under restriction, and when you do that, under re-
striction, you can restrict and maintain the restric-
tion. This area where we are now was restricted.
The zoning law restricted this one. By combination
of condemnation of streets, and restriction laws and
zoning laws, you would get an intelligent scheme
which would give people a chance to live. Develop
also convenient lines of traffic. In Grand Central,
for instance, trains pull in and pull out by the same
place. Instead, let the traffic be continuous in one
direction. Manufacturers should be at the ends of
the city, shops in the central portions."
There are architects who disagreed with this very
practical viewpoint. Not so much with the sound-
ness of it, as with its philosophy of accepting things
as they actually exist and of making the best of
them. Here is a typical opinion :
"We know that architectural resources are not
being conserved, and we know that by accepting
certain facts in the political make-up of cities .or
towns such resources could well be conserved. But
why should we accept the thing that way ? Why not
start at the bottom and work properly? It may well
11
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
be said that ROCK! comes from evil practices, but it
must bi- remembered that the (lay of reckoning must
come. 1 believe the only way to attack the problem
is m start at the bottom. Clean house thoroughly or
don't clean it."
A
Kt'lHTF.t Tl'KAL resources naturally give
ri-c in some thought concerning regional types
of architecture. This, in the opinion of almost every
architect whose opinions regarding architectural
prospects for 1921 were obtained by this journal,
is one of the big things to think about. There are
those who believe that regional types can be more or
less forced upon communities, in the sense that ar-
chitects can definitely give a certain style or color to
the architecture of those communities. Theirs is the
"immediate" view which holds that regional types
will develop only when architects emphatically insist
ujjon a correlated attempt by members of the pro-
fession to put into certain communities a definite
scheme of treatment. They agree with one of the
world's must prominent architects that "the thing
cannot be done by anything like a propaganda or
fiat," and that climatic conditions of the country
"would assert themselves in time." But they insist
that climatic conditions governing such matters exist
nou', and that Nature having done her work, it is up
to the architect to contribute his share.
Regional types, states this prominent architect, can-
not be attained by fiat. In that part of the thinking
vorld in Italy, when people lived in isolated commun-
ities, communication was to some extent interrupted.
Regional development then took place, and more
particularly when the regional character had become
more or less crystallized. In the early days when
Rome ruled the world it would be difficult to deter-
mine whether a Roman arch built in Syria or a
Roman bath in England or a Roman theatre in
France had been designed for the location in which
it was built or for somewhere in the environs of
Rome itself. But when the Roman Empire had dis-
solved and Italy had become a country composed of
separate states each protesting its individuality, com-
munication to some extent having been interrupted,
the national views of the people of each community
began to express itself along the lines of precedent
with which it seems to develop its type, in accord-
ance with its needs, and so you find' in Sienna and
Florence, cities not farther apart than an easy after-
noon's automobile ride, a very good development of
lonal architecture. So one thing must have been
lorence, another in Sienna, another in Rome It
was the expression of the natural instinct of the peo-
) some extent, and to some extent the reversion
back to original regional ideas. The Lombard built
as a Lombard. The Etruscan built from the stand-
point of the Etruscans, although the race had disap-
peared. The Neapolitan built a conglomerate sort
of thing that indicated the conglomerate population
from which he sprung — Greece, Spain, Arabia,
Rome and all the mixed races of the world. Hence
the mixed and conglomerate sort of development.
JT will be so in America, and you will find that as
time goes on and our 144 years of national life
has developed into 500 years of national life and,
let us hope, peaceful development, the individual
sections of the country will come to self-conscious-
ness and self-expression, and that new needs will
create new types. That cannot be clone in a month.
There are so many analogies in nature that indicate
that nature works in the same way. A pine tree
grows on a high altitude where a palm tree would
not and each grows to its own needs. The branch
of the pine slopes to a base that would carry the
weight of snow and resist wind and the palm does
not. Nature works in the same way whether with
inanimate or animate things. Architecture shows a
growth of evolution. There may be a powerful in-
telligence in some receptive community and around
him will be a group that will accept his dicta and
from him develop a cult. In Hildesheim a bishop
centuries ago developed an artistic community where
the neighboring Huns fell back into barbarism. In
Spain is the constant recurrence to two great factors
in civilization : one the Roman, the other the Ara-
bian, neither Iberian in character, neither indigenous
lo the soil, but both the result of a powerful and
dominating intelligence that had at one time occu-
pied that area and familiarized the people with types
that best seemed to meet their needs.
Therefore no artificial development of a national
style can be looked for. I look for it just when the
national need requires it, and that we are accomplish-
ing such a development at the present time can be
perceived. The English at a certain period tried their
best to import the Italian Renaissance architecture
and made wonderful successes in Renaissance, but
no one for a moment would contend that Wrenn's
churches had anything of the aspect of an Italian
church. They are English and always will be. Cli-
mate influences a country's sense of design. Certain
details are obtrusive, but it is necessary that they
should be so if they are to be seen at all in an atmos-
phere which so large a part of the time is dull and
colorless. The English country house with mullioned
windows results from the same climatic conditions
Our own country houses developed from climatic
conditions. Southern California, for example Cli-
matic conditions, and regional construction. It is a
happy thing that types of this sort are being de-
veloped.
12
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
WE are evolving a regional type and regional
characteristics and it is not at all difficult to
perceive it. But it will not develop into definite sty-
listic forms for a long time.
How can you expect a regional type to develop
when the country absorbs at least from one to ten
per cent, of its population from foreign countries?
But was not the whole country at first "foreign"?
arises immediately in a listener's mind.
Here is the answer to that :
"The Colonists built towns but did not intermingle.
They were isolated. Those that were close together
were very largely from the same Anglo-Saxon root,
so there was not a material difference between the
influence of the Dutch in New Amsterdam and New
Jersey, the Swedes in Delaware and the Germans in
Pennsylvania, and especially was that true because
those countries were themselves very closely related.
Did not the Puritans in England go first to Holland
before they came to America ? This had no influence
on architecture, but shows the interrelation between
England and the Netherlands."
A man who is unquestionably one of the world's
great architects gives the practical application in the
following comment :
The development of regional types in architecture
naturally implies a building program. "But when?"
is the big question of the day. The answer to this
question was almost unanimous, and is very well
expressed in the one quoted below. There is quite
a bit in that answer regarding paternal legislation in
building activities. That, in the opinion of a great
number of architects questioned by this journal, is
a big thing to think about in 1921.
THERE will not be a quick resumption of build-
ing,'' this architect holds. "The weight is too
great to move quickly. But it is bound to come. I
am very optimistic about it. But it will not come if
we have excessive labor prices or combinations of
material supplies. You have got to normalize condi-
tions and I am optimistic that we will be able to do
so. I do not think the banks have retarded resump-
tion. The chief source of retardance is high prices. It
is fundamental that no one wants to pay more than
a thing is worth. Only extreme necessity drives him
to do it. Any one who invests in a building for rent,
no matter what type of building it is, has to keep his
average income for a period of years. He cannot af-
ford to build on a high market unless he is sure to
have high rents for sufficient time to amortize what
he pays and what competitors will pay in ten years.
Renting is a business. It invites investment by rea-
son of opportunity for reasonable profit. Laws that
obstruct reasonable profit and discourage men from
taking risks are not going to produce more buildings.
As a general proposition it is a debatable one that the
attempt to legislate in a paternal way is contrary to
the interests of democracy. The large portion of the
distresses that communities suffer is from excessive
legislation. Think of the old independent spirit of
the American people, who scorned to take refuge
under legislative action and built up a spirit of per-
sonal independence. 1 do not believe at all in pater-
nalistic legislation. You cannot legislate the law of
supply and demand out of existence.
WHEN communities come together the condi-
tions of human life vary from when individuals
live apart. The more there are, and the closer to-
gether, the more necessity there is for the main-
tenance of the rights of individuals one against the
other. Only for that would I legislate.
The moment you begin to fix values, of farm prod-
ucts for example, you have interfered with the bene-
fits of the farmers. You have not done any good.
He was induced to plant wheat to meet a great neces-
sity, not on the basis of supply and demand, but be-
cause the government guaranteed $2.35 for wheat.
When the price of wheat went up the cost of bread
went up. Then everybody thought they would get
what was coming to them because they thought they
could get it, and also because they needed it. Then
the farmers had to pay more for labor. The efficiency
decreased. The farmers found the price of wheat
falling. The supply was met. For a time he could
not get his product to the market because no rail-
roads were available. Over-legislation attacking
railroads caused confusion to transportation. Hill
said ten years ago that to put railroads back would
cost $50,000,000. The government took the railroads
for the war. The government broke the railroads
down by congestion. Ten yards of ten shipways each
would have been better than one yard with 100 ship-
ways. The farmer sees that while he thought that
at $2.35 he was going to make money, he has to pay
$10 a day to harvest his wheat, so he does not make
so much as he did when he got only $1 a bushel
for it.
Such comment brings to mind the oft repeated
question : "Is architecture a business?" A very
prominent architect recently termed this a "banal"
question, but he gave an answer to it which in itself
is something to think about every day of the year.
He referred to the subways of New York, and to
the insistent demand that new subways are sorely
needed. The present interest paid by the city, he said,
is about $45,000,000 a year. A little over four hun-
dred millions more is contemplated for subway con-
struction.
"Four hundred million is spent on rapid transit,
to say nothing of the interruption to business during
(Continued on page 15)
13
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Old Shop, Litchfield, Conn.
(See reproduction of original drawing by 0. R. Eggers on opposite page)
T ITCHFIELD'S history dates from its settlement in
/ 1720. // grew as all New England towns of earlier
J-^ settlement grew with winding streets and shaded lanes
which truly typified the simple characters of the early
inhabitants.
Its builders built as did all the early New Engenders
with a fine regard for the basic elements of good architecture
and even the humble shop was not too insignificant to receive
the careful thought of its designer. There is a most satis-
factory indication of good design and honest building in
the present subject so well presented by Mr. Eggers, who
found many equally satisfactory subjects for his book of
sketches during a visit to old Litchfield. Litchfield pre-
serves its traditions, which teem in historic association, and
it is equally proud of its record as the birthplace of many
illustrious men.
The first law school founded in the United States was at
Litchfield, as was also the first "woman's seminary," the fore-
runner of the woman's college. Lyman Beecher, the father
of Henry Ward Beecher and Harriet Beecher Stowe, was
a much respected pastor of a Litchfield church, and it was
in Litchfield that Henry Ward Beecher and Harriet Beecher
Stowe were born. Ethan Allen was also born in Litchfield.
When the murmurings that marked the days before "the
shot heard round the world" was fired at Lexington, and the
Revolutionary struggle was begun, Litchfield had rounded
out a half century of growth. Many old buildings stand
today that stood then as silent witnesses to the part this
quaint New England town played when it sent its manhood
forth to join the Continental armies.
14
OLD SHOf, LITCHFIELD, CONN.
X.V/EJJ/CXA' ARCHITECT Siries of Earl, Ameritan Arthiticturi
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
(Continued from page 13)
construction, also a cost. The interest on that at 4
per cent, would be $16,000,000 per annum. If you
took only half of that, namely $8,000,000 a year,
and spent it in building a series of diagonal avenues
linking up east and west sides of the city with facili-
ties for playgrounds, short cuts across town, con-
venience in traffic to the business section, you would
open up a section now in bad condition and do it at
least as well as Naples thirty years ago, when they
re-zoned that city ; and for $6,000,000 to $10,000,000
a year you could have a permanent investment that
would amortize, that provides a convenient living
place, that would do away with a large portion of
your subways and save original cost to a considerable
extent. With diagonal avenues you would not have
the north side of the street with all the sun and the
south side with no sun at all. You could have both
sides of these dwellings exposed to the sunlight.
You would have broad avenues ; you would have
places where people might promenade and for streets
carrying traffic and would assume at minimum cost
that instead of carrying the live human people in
holes in the ground our of the sunlight like a lot of
moles, and the freight or traffic in the sunlight, you
could have some traffic subways to take freight and
let the people occupy the surface where they belong."
Now, that opinion is extremely valuable, and most
certainly furnishes something to think about, when
it is remembered that the man who gave it to this
journal is an Immortal, a member of the Legion of
Honor, has won the Medal of Honor for Architec-
ture, and has >achieved distinction and fame as one of
the finest artists, in every sense of the word, in the
profession of architecture. If he can give time and
thought, as he undoubtedly has, to matters as com-
mercial and material as taxation and subway con-
struction, as well as to the more aesthetic side of
life, it would seem that the consideration of the time-
worn and timely "Is Architecture a business?" ques-
tion would well merit very serious thought this year.
Last, but not least, is the matter of the registration
of architects. Full comment on this would require
many issues of this journal. We print the following
comment, because it is rather new and seems to us
to be a thought-provoking statement :
"Registration does not make for any better archi-
tects or any better service to the people. It adds to
taxation. It would not keep out incompetents. You
cannot pass a law stopping the country carpenter
from building a barn. I believe that branches also on
paternalistic legislation. The best protection for the
public and the architect both is the establishment of
high standards of public information in regard to
what constitutes good design and good building. The
survival of the fittest does not necessarily hold good
because a man may make up in activity of solicita-
tion, like any other quack, what he lacks in genuine
ability, and get the business."
These are some big things to think about in 1921.
They are not the only things worthy of serious con-
sideration, but most certainly they are the big ones,
if opinions gathered from all over the country can be
taken as an accurate gauge of worthwhileness. This
journal believes it is an accurate gauge — an ex-
tremelv accurate one.
15
The Building Outlook in the Middle West
and on the Pacific Coast
Corrcspoiuicnfc to THE A.MKKK AN ARCHITECT)
(.'ill CAGO.
Tl I K building fraternity in Chicago is welcom-
ing the new year with much more than the
usual acclaim because of the potential prog-
ress in the industry which the incoming year seems
certain to possess. Everything points to an early
and comprehensive resumption of building activity,
which will keep all hands busy during the year and
beyond.
Practically no one who is in a position to gauge
present indications dissents from the general tone of
optimism. Real estate men, contractors, builders,
architects — everybody who touches the building in-
dustry seems well assured that the long-needed ex-
pansion is certain to begin early in 1921 and to con-
tinue without interruption for an indefinite period.
The psychology of the situation favors this expan-
sion; the labor problems are becoming simplified;
material costs are being reduced ; the need of build-
ings is growing more acute and the financial aid ne-
cessary to make the building program possible now
seems more easily available. With all of these con-
comitants so favorably disposed, there is really noth-
ing in the way of the forward march. Even the mild
weather now prevailing seems auspicious and may
mean the opening of many important projects much
earlier than could be usually expected.
A very optimistic expression comes from Henry
K. Holsman, president of the Illinois Chapter of the
American Institute of Architects, who believes that
the approaching season will be marked by great build-
ing activity.
"I am constantly in touch with a great many archi-
tects," says Mr. Holsman, "and my information is
that the architects are going to have all the work they
can possibly do. A great deal of work is already on
the boards, with many plans already completed and
merely awaiting the word for actual work to begin."
Charles M. Bostrom, Chicago commissioner of
buildings, is another who predicts record-breaking
activity. Chicago's greatest building boom will short-
ly begin, according to Mr. Bostrom, and before it is
finished living quarters for the present unaccommo-
dated 100,000 families will have been built. He es-
timates that at least ten square miles of property
now vacant in and around Chicago will be covered
with homes and apartments during the building re-
naissance.
Mr. Bo-trom's records show that the first eleven
months of 1920 saw the issuance of permits for
buildings valued at $74,000,000 as compared with a
valuation of more than $95,000,000 for the same
period in 1919. Permit valuations for December of
this year are estimated at $3,000,000.
Chicago's record building year thus far was 1916
when permits representing a value of $113,000,000
were issued, but it is Mr. Bostrom's belief that the
building in 1921 will set a new mark for progress in
Chicago.
A word of very great encouragement comes also
from S. W. Straus, head of an important Chicago
financial house. He points out that there has been
great improvement in the conditions which have pre-
viously hindered building and he expects an imme-
diate resumption of building activity as soon as
weather conditions become more settled and favor-
able.
"While construction is at a low ebb at this time,"
said Mr. Straus, "conditions are favorable for the
resumption of building on a large scale."
Even "more emphatic emphasis of the encouraging
outlook than that given expression in mere individual
views may be found in the news of the actual build-
ing improvements under consideration at this time.
Most of these projects have passed • through the
nebulous stage and are definitely under way.
It is reported that the building program of the Uni-
versity of Chicago which was held up by the war
is about to be resumed. Very vast expenditures are
contemplated, among them the erection of the im-
portant medical group of buildings at the university.
Northwestern University on the north of Chicago
also has some very important building plans which
are shortly to be revived.
Announcement has recently been made of plans
to raise $1,000,000 for a new hospital on the Chi-
cago Southside. The site is that now occupied by
the Woman's Hospital at 460 East 32nd street. This
property has been sold to a new corporation known as
the Illinois General Hospital which will be the name
of the new and larger institution. Clubwomen in
Chicago are behind plans to start an early drive to
raise funds for this new project.
News of a 21 story hotel project to cost $5,000,-
000 is also current in Chicago. The site of the pro-
posed new hostelry is the now popular Union Station
district, the exact location being at Canal and Clinton
streets. Property has already been secured by the
16
h
U
W
H
—
ffi
U '
w
s
<
w
ffi
H
fc
*
I-J
o
J
>"
w
a 5
2 rf
a 3
w
s
<
H-,
fc
O
W
o
ffi
X
H
U
w
H
r— I
ffi
U
U
r— I
«
w
O
d
l_l
£ 12
i; C-N
J o
H t
in a-
w G
J H
°s
r iJ
U
in
\2
O
a
VOL. CXIX, No. 2350
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY 5, 1921
^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^" »^M.-KS^ v'
WBl
HOUSE OF JAMES J. HILL, OLD WESTBURY, L. I., N. Y.
WALKER & GILLETTE, ARCHITECTS
VOL. CXIX, No. 2350
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY 5, 1921
M
PORTE COCHERE
HOUSE OF JAMES J. HILL, OLD WESTBURY, L. I, N. Y.
WALKER & GILLETTE, ARCHITECTS
VOL. CXIX, No. 2350
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY 5, 1921
ENTRANCE DETAIL
HOUSE OF JAMES J. HILL, OLD WESTBURY, L. I., N. Y.
WALKER & GILLETTE, ARCHITECTS
i
VOL. CXIX, No. 2350
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY 5, 1921
HOUSE OF JAMES J. HILL, OLD WESTBURY, L. I., N. Y.
WALKER & GILLETTE, ARCHITECTS
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Arthur R. Jones Syndicate which has the project in
hand. The buildings on the property will be the hotel
already mentioned and an office building to supply
the needs of this important business section. The
hotel will be connected by means of a boulevard sub-
way with the station, after the fashion of the Grand
Central station in New York with its hotels adjoin-
ing.
The Union Station improvement will give new im-
petus to building in this part of the city and a gradual
upgrowth of the entire wholesale section in that vicin-
ity is anticipated. Rents, in fact, are already feeling
the pull of the improved situation and new leases
are being made on a higher rate.
Chicago's greatly needed new postoffice building
is also to grace this same general locality. The exact
location is at the northeast corner of Jefferson and
Quincy streets, a half block west of the Union Sta-
tion. The building will cost in the neighborhood of
$1,500,000. It will not displace the general post-
office in the Federal Building at Dearborn, Clark
and Adams streets but will be utilized to relieve
the mail congestion which results from the inadequate
size of the present building. Alfred L. Alschuler is
the architect of the new postal station, upon which
work will begin in early spring.
Theatrical progress is to add its share to the build-
ing boom. Three new theatres in the downtown dis-
trict are said to be in contemplation by the Shubert
interests, though nothing very definite has been given
out as to plans. More tangible is the proposal of an
unnamed eastern syndicate to erect in Chicago a chain
of outlying vaudeville houses at a cost of approx-
imately $4,000,000. The first of the chain will be a
$300,000 building on West Roosevelt Road near
Ashland avenue.
Definite plans for the new Federal Reserve Bank
building, for which excavation is practically com-
plete have lately been made public. This building to
be located at La Salle Street and Jackson Boulevard
will be fourteen stories in height, with provisions
made for the addition of four stories should the
first limit prove inadequate. Architecturally, the
building will be a free interpretation of Greek and
Roman classic style, the outstanding feature being a
front colonnade, sixty-five feet high.
The cost of lumber and other building materials
has taken no important decline during the past week
or so. The feeling is general in the lumber industry
that the building boom will drive prices upward and
this hope is doing a great deal to firm the market.
Following recent revisions, the materials manufac-
turers are also holding firm, with no change of im-
portance in the list of prices.
A general summary of building and materials quo-
tations follows :
Yellow pine:— B. & B. 1 in., $95 to $130; 13-16,
3y4 flat flooring, $85 to $90 ; 2 by 4, 10 to 16 feet,
No. 1 long leaf, $51 ; 2 x 6, $48 to $49; 2 x 8, $49
to $50; 2 by 10, $52 to $54; 2 by 12, $54 and $56.
Northern Hardwoods, carload lots, Chicago :
Birch, four y4 No. 1 and 2, $155; select, $130 to
$138; No. 1 common, $95 to $100; No. 2 common,
$60 to $65 ; No. 3, $35 to $40.
Hard Maple, four % No. 1-2, $135 to $140; select,
$115 to $120; No. 1 common, $95 to $100; No. 2,
$60 to $65 ; No. 3, $32 to $50.
Red gum four ]A, No. 1 and 2, $148 to $152;
No. 1 common, $88 to $92 ; No. 2, $43 to $47.
Birch, four Y^ No. 1 and 2, $155 to $160; select,
$130 to $139; No. 1 common, $95 to $100; No.
2, $60 to $65 ; No. 3, $35 to $40.
Douglas fir, 12 by 12, No. 1 up to 32 feet, $65 to
$75 ; 14 by 14, $68 to $75 ; 16 by 16, $70 to $75 ;
18 by 18, $75 to $80.
Cement : — Universal, $3 ; Lehigh, $3.00 ; Portland,
$3.00.
Bulk lime, $1.70 to $1.90; face brick, octagons,
$68 to $75 ; fire brick, $32 to $40 ; 12 in. .24 to .27,
18 in. .46 to .54.
Crushed stone gravel $3.40 to $4 ; lake and bank
sand-torpedo, $3.40 to $4.
SEATTLE.
NOT until an American dollar will buy 100
cents' worth of steel and hardware will
building over the Pacific Coast be resumed in the
proportion hoped for, and American business go on
a basis that will be safe, sane and profitable. This
was the tone in which large hardware, sheet, pipe
and nail operators defined the situation for 1921
this week. It is contended that the steel mills have
not responded to the demands of the hour, and that
other marketing avenues, in guaranteeing prices on
building essentials as they are offering to do to-
day to jobbing houses are outside their rights if they
propose to aid the country in getting back to norma'
The general tendency of jobbing houses on the
coast, which include all steel and shelf hardware,
sheets, roofing, cement and wall board is to refuse to
buy, taking on only what can meet the narrowed re-
quirements of the year-end. In this way, with indi-
vidual action prolonged, it is felt that stocks will
accumulate in the hands of manufacturers and that
a price tumble will be inevitable. Corroboration of
this position is shown in the fact that salesmen have
increased in number, eastern steel mills have found
it necessary to personally scan, cultivate and tactfully
view the field in person. However, the minds of job-
bers seem to have been made up, particularly since
it is known that gross margins in the North Pacific
jobbing trade were not moved upward during the
war as in other sections, and the jobbing trade pro-
tected its customers by keeping as close to reasonable
17
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
proth-. U WW p08fi2>l« at that time. Jobber, claim
tliat il i- impossible lor any one of the many lines ot
construction material to yuarantee prices to-day until
March .>!. a- i> proposed, or for twenty-four hours.
and the point has been raised as to whether it can be
done in conformity with law. This attitude of inanu-
irers has -lined jobbers into a belligerent mood,
and Inning will be limited in the Pacific coast terri-
tory until the future basis is modified.
There is an ample supply of nails, pipe, all but
halves and three-quarters galvanized, and nails.
Stocks of roofing, cement, fire brick and plaster wall-
board are ample to take care of the estimated need
for i he next ninety days. Jobbers in steel products
announce that they will follow all declines in the
market regardless of cost.
\\ henever steel mills more thoroughly reflect the
national temper in their price list, at that time the
reconstruction period will begin. This is the crystal-
lized sentiment of nine out of ten of the heads of
corporations engaged in distributing these products
over the Pacific coast territory.
It is believed that fir lumber has struck bottom.
A good many price lists are going to eastern com-
mission houses, but save in the case of financial pres-
sure prices are being held taut. The larger mills are
refusing to accept business on the market of to-day
and wages have fallen $1 to $1.25 per day, to $3.75.
Production for the week was 38J/2 per cent, below
normal, and fir mills of the west coast territory sold
only 769 carloads, 30,000 feet to the car, in the rail
or eastern building trade. The mills hold orders for
2.736 carloads, still unshipped. The cut at the mills
and the shipments were only 1.50 per cent, apart, a
.situation that has not been paralleled in months.
Negotiations for moving fir lumber and shingles to
New York, Boston and Baltimore intercostal are
going forward rapidly. Association authorities took
up with the steamship lines the subject of low rates
immediately after the railroads instituted what has
become a prohibitive transcontinental rate, and com-
parison shows that the water haul to New York har-
bor will save shippers $14.60 per 1,000 feet on lum-
ber alone.
Lightering rates in New York harbor and to Bos-
ton and other ports that have yardage space for lum-
ber cargoes have been filed here, and a rate of 17
cents per hundred pounds from New York to Buffalo
via the Erie Canal has been named. The railways
stand to lose the lumber as they have lost the steel
tonnage west bound, as well as the backhaul to in-
terior points.
The fir mills this week sold mill base at $51 to
$57 for vertical grain flooring, $29 to $31 for slash
grain, $63 for finish, $27 to $29 for ceiling, $28 to
$30 for drop siding, $18 to $20 for boards and
shiplap, and $13.50 to $16 for common dimension.
18
The Outlook as to Building Material Costs
in 1921
By A. R. KRIECHBAUM, Eastern Editor, Lumber
THE fundamental soundness of America is a
guarantee for better business in 1921. This
applies more particularly to the building indus-
try than to many other lines of industry because the
nation is at least four years behind in its building con-
struction. The war taught the* people of America
many things, the most important of which was econ-
omy. Economy in housing space as now practiced
would have been considered intolerable a few years
ago, but this very thing has created business in the
building material industry at a time when retrench-
ment in all lines has been general. The remodeling
of buildings to provide more space for housing ac-
commodations has furnished the principal demand
for building materials during the past several
months. This remodeling work, creating two apart-
ments where there had been but one, is purely an
emergency measure, and while it answers the pur-
pose just now, it does not lessen in the slightest de-
gree the potential demand for housing in this country.
This demand must be met sooner or later. It remain ,
for someone to start. Under existing business con-
ditions the large investor has not been anxious to put
his money in the building field when he could lay it
away in tax-free securities. That this chief adverse
element even now shows signs of improvement, how-
ever, is indicated by the fact that the larger insurance
companies, building and loan associations and bank-
ing institutions are displaying a much more liberal at-
titude towards the building industry, particularly with
reference to loans on individual housing projects.
Following as it did the artificial boom which be-
gan immediately after the signing of the Armistice,
the period of depression of the past few months was
fully expected, and, in fact, did not reach the propor-
tions anticipated. It resulted largely from public
sentiment. The public was sick and tired of high
prices and it simply "struck." That the "strike" wa
won is easily attested by the present prices of all
commodities, including building materials. Lumber,
steel, brick and cement, the four basic building ma-
terials, are wholesaling cheaper today than at any
time in 1920, and in many instances this is true of re-
tail prices as well, but as a general rule the retailer
has not taken his loss in proportion to other branches
of the building industry, except, of course, the la-
borer. He is taking his loss jnst now in non-em-
ployment.
Building construction will begin during 1921.
Whether it starts in early Spring or later, it is bound
to start, and when it is finally under way it will con-
tinue for at least three years to come. There are
several important, elements which bear on the situa-
tion, the foremost of which is legislation, both ex-
isting and prospective. The "anti-landlord" rent
laws enacted by the last New York Legislature vir-
tually placed all rented property in the hands of the
courts, and landlords as a general rule prefer to have
supervision over their own property. Such legislation
offers little inducement to the prospective apartment
builder. On the other hand, the law-making body
passed another law giving cities the power to exempt
from taxation for a period of five years all new con-
struction, and the City of New York is now working
on an ordinance to this effect which may become a
law in the Spring. This undoubtedly will encourage
building.
The sensational disclosures of the Legislative Com-
mittees, which have been investigating the building
industry for several months, have proven a revela-
tion and have undoubtedly resulted in breaking up
several "rings" which in the past have exacted great
toll from the public. Prospective builders this year
can proceed with the assurance that they will get a
dollar's worth of building for every dollar they spend.
This, again, will encourage building.
In the matter of material supply, there is every-
thing in favor of the builder, at least for the one who
builds early in 1921. The retail lumber yards as a
rule are well stocked with lumber, the cement plants
have a goodly supply of cement to start with and
there is enough brick to keep things moving until
summer when the brick plants resume operation.
Material prices (the big factor) are very much in
favor of the prospective builder. The basic mate-
rials are cheaper today then they were at any time
during 1920 and the market will probably remain
around its present level until Spring. The trend of
the market during the last half of 1921, however, will
undoubtedly be upward, but prices will never reach
the peak of last year, at least, not for some years to
come. And it is well that they will not. Any at-
tempt to force prices up to last year's peak would
be immediately followed by a stoppage of building.
The labor situation will be favorable to the resump-
tion of building by Spring. Labor is getting more
plentiful every day and it is merely a matter of a
short time until wage scales will be reduced in the
19
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
building track- ju-t a- they are being reduced at
manufacturing center- throughout the country.
And another imjiortant factor is the change in the at-
titude of labor. The individual is growing more effi-
cient and k-s, dictatorial. He is more willing to per-
form a lull day'- work for a full day's pay, which ne-
ci---arily mean- a reduction in labor costs, even if
wage- ;ue not actually reduced.
Trans]xjrtation. another factor in the building in-
dustry, is almost 100 per cent, better now than it was
at the beginning of 1920 and railroad officials promise
continued improvement throughout this year. Ship-
ments of building materials from producing points
are moving smoothly. There are plenty of cars and
the terminals are cleared of traffic, a condition which
is just the reverse of that of last January. For
the first half of this year the big trunk lines will
undertake only improvements which are absolutely-
essential and the roads will be operated with as few
men and at as little cost as possible. Their retrench-
ment policy, however, will not be taken to the point
where it will interfere with service to the public.
In all branches of the building industry there is a
better feeling of confidence than there has been at
any time since the close of the war. Everyone knew
that the boom which followed the signing of the Ar-
mistice was artificial and could not continue. They
knew that the prices which prevailed last winter
were entirely too high for the best interests of the
industry. For the most part, they welcomed the turn
downward, for while many of them lost money by
the break in the market, they were able to take their
loss because they realized a good profit during the
months preceding.
During 1920 more buildings were planned than
ever before in history and yet actual construction
fell considerably short of that of the previous year.
Millions of dollars in new construction, represented
by plans and blue prints, are now held in "cold stor-
age" by architects. They have all been approved and
in most instances the money appropriated. The archi-
tects are waiting until they think prices have reached
the bottom before they ask for bids. A survey of
architects' offices reveals the fact that housing proj-
ects and educational and religious institutions pre-
dominate, although there are quite a number of com-
mercial and office buildings in the list. The general
curtailment of produciion in all lines indicates there
will not be such a great volume of industrial build-
ing this year. The building now under way is con-
fined largely to the completion of structures started
many months ago and to repairing and remodeling.
Manufacturers of building materials are very, op-
timistic as to the outlook for this year. Both the
cement and the brick manufacturers declare there will
be a shortage of materials. One cement manufac-
turer pointed out that more than 31,000,000 barrels
of cement will be used in highway construction this
year, or about one-third of the nation's production.
Cement producers are refusing to accept orders on
• present prices for spring delivery. In a good build-
ing year approximately 1,200,000,000 bricks are
used. Last year the consumption was only 350,000,-
000. At present there are only 300,000,000 brick on
hand at producing points and this supply would be
exhausted in 60 days' time if building was resumed in
any volume. The brick plants are closed down for
the winter and will not resume operation until after
May 1, the exact date depending upon weather con-
ditions. Brick manufacturers will not accept orders
for future delivery on the present market values.
In the lumber industry the producers have re-
sponded more readily to the downward price ten-
dency than probably any other branch of the build-
ing material industry. Most low grade lumber to-
day is wholesaling at less than cost of production. The
mills are making some profit on the better grades, but
not enough to offset this loss. This means that lum-
ber prices, as a whole, must be higher after spring
buying begins than they now are. A great majority
of the lumber, shingle and lath mills on the West
Coast and in the South have been closed down since
the middle of November and most of them will not
resume operation until buying begins in some volume.
Stocks of lumber at the mills are not up to pre-war
normal, but are considerably larger than those of
last January. This surplus will be exhausted, how-
ever, with sixty days of active buying.
No one looks for a great boom year or the sky-
rocketing of prices, but for the last nine months in
1921 is generally predicted a period of good, sub-
stantial business, and from then on business generally
will continue prosperous for the next five years.
20
msASmmSMlSSiK^li&l'm
• •••i^lLiinJ)^,«,|iIWnliil,l|iir,l,7J^
< • . • ,
'•;
The Cleveland Auditorium
A Notable Example of Architectural and Engineering Skill
ONLY the ordinary palls. And because the
world is largely composed of ordinary peo-
ple, ordinary buildings and many other ordi-
nary things, they fail to excite interest. But the big
men, the unusual things, are those that never fail to
arouse our interest, our curiositv and often our ad-
investing money, part of which has been raised by a
bond issue, in a structure which its citizens firmly
believe is a most excellent investment and which will
pay handsome dividends in the form of increased"
business for Cleveland citizens. Although it is not
here desired to discuss the economics of the question,.
THE CLEVELAND AUDITORIUM AS IT WILL APPEAR WHEN COMPLETED
J. H. MACDOWELL, ARCHITECT. F. R. WALKER, CONSULTING ARCHITECT
miration. We look on with awe and wish that we
also might do big things.
The city of Cleveland, while not ranking with the
largest cities, is yet a most progressive one. Just now
Cleveland is doing something big in the building
business. While private building lags behind and
business in many lines is unusually dull, this city is
a consideration of the structure itself is worthy of
attention.
The accompanying illustrations will more readily
convey an idea of the magnitude of this structure
than any lengthy description.
The Auditorium, now under construction, is the
fourth building to be erected in what is known as the
21
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
RECENT PROGRESS VIEW SHOWING STONE-
WORK OF MAIN FACADE WELL UNDER WAY
Cleveland Group Plan. It occupies a site on the east
side of the proposed Mall and is bounded by Lake-
side Avenue on the north, St. Clair Avenue on the
south and East 6th Street on the east. This build-
ing is 230 by 430 ft., while the arena or public hall
proper is to be 220 ft. wide and 370 ft. long. In this
vast auditorium there will not be a single pillar to
obstruct the view of the army of spectators it will
seat. The whole auditorium will be lighted from the
ceiling, where the use of incandescents with a total
wattage equivalent to 218,000 ordinary lamps is be-
ing planned.
Modern fireproof steel construction is used
throughout. The exterior is faced with granite and
limestone, while the interior k finished in marble, tile
and decorative plaster. The requirements to be met in
the auditorium were such that the plan could not be
well expressed on the exterior by the type of classi-
cal Roman architecture that prevails in the other
public buildings of this group. It was found how-
ever that facades designed in the spirit of the Italian
Renaissance were applicable to a true expression of
the plan, and this type of architecture was therefore
adopted, although the exterior details are classical
and harmonize with the other buildings of the Group
Plan.
The Auditorium is an exceedingly interesting
building because of the many varied functions that it
is intended to serve. Many special features are in-
corporated in plan and equipment in order to fulfill
these functions. The purposes for which the Audi-
torium is designed and equipped to be used may be
classified as follows :
CONVENTIONS.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Industrial.
Educational.
Fraternal.
Medical.
(e) Political.
(f) Religious.
(g) Sales and business,
(h) Scientific.
CROSS SECTION LOOKING TOWARDS THE STAGE
ENTERTAINMENTS.
Military.
Plays.
Pageants.
Musical Conce r t s.
Grand Opera.
EXHIBITIONS.
(a) Athletic,
(b) Balls.
(c) Carnivals,
(d) Circus,
(e) Motion pictures.
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(a) Aeronautical.
(b) Animal shows.
(c) Automotive.
(d) Machinery.
(e) Electrical.
(f) Chemical.
(g) Flower shows,
(h)
(i) Farm products (raw)
(j) Building materials.
(k) Textile.
(1) Industrial methods &
and Special process.
(m) Plumbing and heat-
ing.
(n) Forestry.
A SECTION OF THE BALCONY STEELWORK
Food products
(prepared).
The seating capacity of the Auditorium for con-
certs and operas is 12,000 ; during conventions, how-
ever, this capacity may be increased to 13,500 by
22
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
placing 1,500 additional seats on the stage. The main
floor and basement combined offer 61,000 square feet
of exhibition space, 32,000 on the main floor and
29,000 in the basement. Steam, gas, compressed air,
vacuum and electric current (A. C. and D. C. 110
volt and 220 volt) are among the services available
to exhibitors.
One of the primary functions of the building is the
72 ft. ice skating rink or swimming tank from the
basement to the stage level. The stage wings are
provided with 28 private dressing rooms and chorus
rooms with a total capacity of 200. One of the finest
pipe organs in the country is to be installed. Special
care is being taken to design the interior acoustically
correct.
South of the arena will be a unit housing a com-
VIEW SHOWING PLANT USED IN THE ERECTION OF THE AUDITORIUM STEEL WORK
Note the two traveling derrick towers in foreground
housing of national conventions. Every dependency
required by such conventions is provided. These
include suites of large committee rooms with sepa-
rate entrance foyers, scores of telephones with a pri-
vate exchange, taxicab service, lunch room, flower
shop, barber shop, shower baths, and numerous other
accommodations for the convenience of the busy con-
vention delegates.
The stage is equipped in accordance with the best
modern theatre practice. It is one of the largest in
the world and provision r /nade for raising a 30 by
plete theatre capable of seating an audience of 2,700
and with facilities for a company of 200 players.
The stage of the theatre unit will also be the stage
of the main auditorium and has a proscenium arch
of 72 ft. span, a depth of 48 ft. and an overall width
of 108 ft. Fly galleries are to be done away with,
and nothing but modern stage-setting machinery
used.
To the north of the arena will be located another
complete unit of the same approximate size as the
theatre unit on the south. The northern unit will be
23
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
-:ir»i« •
:Wj -
FLOOR PLANS OF THE CLEVELAND AUDITORIUM
J. H. MACDOWELL, ARCHITECT. F. R. WALKER, CONSULTING ARCHITECT
24
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
six stories in height and will include the formal
lobby and some twenty convention halls, with seating
capacities ranging from 300 to 1,200.
Curving runways will be built from the basement
to the arena floor to take care of circus parades and
pageants. It is stated that the Cleveland public hall
will be able to take care of a much bigger circus audi-
ence than Madison Square Garden in New York
City.
Two great steel derrick towers, movable on wood-
en trestles, played an important part in erecting the
framework of this structure. The four trestles, two
for each tower > were built within the side walls, and
parallel with the longitudinal center line of the build-
ing. Upon these trestles the towers were built. On
top of each tower was erected a large derrick, oper-
ated by a hoist at the tower base. The most difficult
task handled by the towers was the placing of the
roof trusses, each over 200 ft. long and weighing
200 tons a piece. They were put in place without
trouble, however. As riveters went to work on one,
the cables were removed from the derricks and
anchored to the ground. The hoists then pulled them-
selves and the towers rearward, into position for lift-
ing j:he next truss. The bottom chord of each truss
came in seven sections. In placing these the center
section was laid first, after which the other sections
were connected and wedged up to proper elevation.
When the complete chord had been bolted up and
connected to the wall columns, all web members were
set and finally the top chord (shipped in four sec-
tions) was set in place. The truss was then riveted
complete and swung by cutting loose the blocking.
It is planned to complete the building by October
1, 1921. The total cost will be aproximately $5,-
000,000. The building was started during the ad-
ministration of Mayor Davis and will be finished
under the administration of Mayor Fitzgerald. Floyd
E. Waite has served as Director of Parks and Pub-
lic Property during these administrations. F. H.
Betz has been succeeded by J. H. MacDowell as
architect. F. R. Walker is the consulting architect.
A VIEW FROM THE MAIN FLOOR DURING STEEL ERECTION
25
An Improvement in Hollow Tile Floor
Construction
Bv ALLAN F. OWEN, M.W.S.E *
THE use of hollow tile floor arches was com-
ci.U-nt with the erection of the first steel
franu- l,uil.linKs and until the introduction
of reinforced concrete it was universally used
first arches to be used were of the segmental type_
The fireproofing of the tie rods was an item c
considerable expense and rather uns.ghtly in ap-
pearance, the plastering of the ceiling was costly and
voussoirs are standard for each depth of arch the
skewbacks vary with each depth of supporting floor
beam and the keys vary with the length of the spans
The function of the key is to close the arch winch
is built towards the center from each supporting
beam It will be seen that in a building m which
several depths of floor beams are used and several
span lengths occur, there are quite a number of spe-
IXTERIOR VIEW DURING CONSTRUCTION, OLD COLONY LIFE BUILDING, CHICAGO, ILL.
Note ceiling, showing an excellent surface for plastering, also small amount of debris
the finished appearance unsatisfactory. In buildings
of the better character a suspended ceiling was used
in order to secure a flat ceiling, thus entailing a con-
siderable added cost. The rise of these segmented
arches was generally one inch per foot of span.
A later development was the flat arch, the first of
which were of the side construction type, succeeded
by the better end construction type. A flat arch is
made up of skewbacks, voussoirs and a key. The
•Structural Engineer, Marquette Building, Chicago.
cial tiles which are expensive to manufacture and
are conducive to confusion in sorting, distributing
and placing. Every tile' in this type of construction
has some feature which adds to the cost of its pro-
duction. These arches range from ten to sixteen
inches in depth and are generally set with a three-
quarter inch camber. On striking the centering the
mortar joints adjust themselves in such a way that
the ceiling becomes practically level. This type of
arch is very satisfactory for steel frame buildings.
26
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Economy in construction is secured by decreasing
the cost of materials and labor. In making a study
to develop a less expensive type of flat arch con-
struction attention was first given to the materials.
The cheapest hollow tile material is that known
as partition tile which have rectangular sides and
square ends as opposed to the radial joint ends of the
voussoir tiles. Partition tiles are made in full and
half lengths, twelve and six inches long respectively.
It is obvious that a floor constructed with standard
partition tile, soffit and channel tiles would be eco-
nomical as to the tile material. The next element to
be considered was labor. If the arch could be con-
structed of medium weight pieces and placed with-
out the necessity of making accurate closures in each
arch, a labor saving would be effected. The elimina-
tion of the usual three-quarter inch tie rods would
also make a saving of steel and in the labor of fitting
the tile about them. The cost of centering would be
the same in both cases.
These factors were embodied in the design of the
floor arches installed in the Old Colony Life Insur-
ance Company building now being erected in Chicago.
This building is located at 168 West Jackson Boule-
vard and extends through the block to Quincy street.
The building was designed by C. A. Eckstorm, archi-
tect, the fireproofing erected by the T. G. Nicholson
Company and the writer was structural engineer for
the floor construction.
In constructing these floors an 8 x 12 x 12 in. par-
tition tile was used in full and half lengths. The tile
was laid on its eight inch face making the depth of
the arch twelve inches. Two rows of tile were laid
from beam to beam with cement mortar joints be-
DETAILS OF FLOOR CONSTRUCTION
tween all adjoining surfaces. Between these two
rows of tile was placed a four inch channel tile and
the space between the partition tiles filled with con^
crete in which was embedded a 3^-inch steel rod as
shown in the design. The partition tiles were laid
from the center of the span to the supporting floor
beams and the skewback closure made with con-
crete, poured with the concrete joists and thus sur-
rounding the tile construction with monolithic con-
crete on ends and sides. No provision was made to
prevent the slight inflow of concrete into the tiles
at the skewbacks. This was inconsiderable owing
to the size and shape of the cells but is an appre-
ciable element of strength. The soffit tile under steel
floor beams had a metal fabric under it and extend-
ing up into the concrete skewback as shown. This
provided a most effective anchorage for the soffit
tiles.
The four inch concrete joists and the ^-inch steel
rods were largely a concession to the Chicago Build-
VIEW SHOWING CONSTRUCTION OF FLOOR
ARCHES
ing Department requirements. Some few panels have
been constructed with two inch concrete joists with
no apparent differences in strength. When tested
under the supervision of the Chicago Building De-
partment with an applied load of 900 pounds per
square foot, no deflection was indicated by the gauge.
The first arches were laid with a three-quarter inch
camber but no settlement took place when the cen-
tering was struck twenty-four hours after the arch
was laid. The balance of the arches were laid with
an one-eighth inch camber.
The fine level ceiling surface secured for plaster-
ing is indicated in the illustration on the opposite
page. The installation was made with unusual speed,
the contractor being compelled to stop work two
times to enable the steel erector to get ahead of him.
An interesting comparison of cost was made re-
cently between a long span combination tile and con-
crete system of floor arches and this new short span
system is a sixteen story steel frame building now
under construction. Three steel floor beams were
added in each bay for the short span system and this
cost of steel was more than compensated for by the
cheaper erection cost of tile and its erection, less
reinforcing steel and yardage of concrete. The total
dead load was slightly less for this system.
The advantages of this system are those relating
to cost and speed of construction. The elimination
of the radial jointed voussoirs, special skewbacks and
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
key-, re-ulting in tlie use of from seven to fourteen
different shape-, and the substitution of Standard
full and half length partition tile, standard one-size
and channel tilt- reduces the cost of manufac-
turing, tran-i>ortation and handling and obviate- the
delay- due to the \vn.nn distribution of the sizes at
CONSTRUCTION VIEW, OLD COLONY LIFE
BUILDING, CHICAGO, ILL.
the building and simplifies the work of the tile setter.
Patents have been applied for covering several fea-
tures of this system of construction.
[Among the several departures from the usual types
of building construction made necessary by the cost or
scarcity of materials and labor, the above article describes
an interesting improvement in methods. It also is one
tore indication of the facility with which plastic concrete
can be used in connection with materials difficult to alter
after manufacture. It is evident that the use of concrete
mbination with other materials offers a field for
'her investigation and invention. In this case, Mr.
Uwen, who has had an extensive experience in the manu-
<eture and use of hollow tile wares, has made a notable
%**"*?***, '" "'f'liods of hollow tile construction.-
The Editors.]
Not Educated Up to Sprayer
That architects may oftentimes be shortsighted
is indicated by the following instance, which came
under our observation :
A local painting-contractor had a contract for the
painting of the large steel trusses of an auditorium,
[n this work he contemplated the use of an air
sprayer as being more efficient for that type of work
than brush work. The architect, learning of that
intention, notified the general contractor that since
the specifications did not state that a sprayer might
be used, forbid that method, claiming that it was
impossible to get the paint into the cracks and
crevices. — December Bulletin, Associated General
Contractors of America.
[Editor's Note:— The subject of Spray Painting was
treated very fully in the June 23, 1920, issue of THE
AMERICAN ARCHITECT.]
A Correction
Reference is made to a photograph of the Plaza
Hotel on page 713 of our issue of December 1, 1920.
This was in error attributed to Warren & Wetmore
as the architects. Mr. H. J. Hardenburgh was the
architect of the original building, while the addition
is the work of Warren & Wetmore.
Publications Received
The Atlas Portland Cement Company has just
published "The Atlas Handbook on Concrete Con-
struction." This book is bound in cloth, and con-
tains 144 pages, 4" x 6l/2", of solid information on
concrete mixing, reinforced concrete, concrete forms,
concrete building construction. The information
contained in this booklet is well illustrated by 135
pictures and 40 tables. It is classified for ready
reference in both a Table of Contents as well as an
alphabetical index.
The chapter on concrete mixing gives valuable
tables, information on methods and tests, etc. This
is followed by a discussion of reinforcements, taking
up beams, girders, floor slabs, etc. Bending steel
reinforcements receive considerable attention. The
discussion of the building of typical concrete forms
is good.
28
Current News
Happenings and Comments in the Field of Architecture
and the Allied Arts
Small House Competition for
Architects
Mr. Henry K. Holsman, president of the Illinois
Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and
architectural adviser to the "Own Your Home" Ex-
positions to be held in New York City and Chicago
early next year, is sending to architects the general
program for a "Small House Competition" which is
to be conducted in connection with these two events.
The Chicago exposition, as previously announced,
will be held March 26 to April 2, 1921, while the New
York City exposition opens April 16 and closes April
30. In explaining the purpose of this "Small House
Competition" Mr. Holsman, in a letter to architects,
says:
"The American Institute of Architects realizes
that the architectural profession and the services it
•can render to society are not properly appreciated
by the people, greatly to the detriment of the pro-
fession and the community.
"The architectural profession has not received as
much public recognition as other professions because
it has not hitherto performed as much public service.
The logical way to keep the value of architectural
services in the minds of the people is to do some con-
spicuous public good.
"The country is now confronted with a lack of
private initiative in home building and home owner-
ship. The government is beginning to realize that
homeless citizens and families, whether rich or poor,
are not potentially the best citizens — that every addi-
tional home owner makes an additional credit pos-
sibility, an additional property security to the nation's
wealth, and an additional urge for all other forms
of permanent construction.
With a view to stimulating home building and
home ownership, "Own Your Home" expositions
have been inaugurated to be held in various large
centers to show the people the value of a good home
and how to obtain it. Realizing that the majority
of homes are not designed by the most competent
architects, and that small house plans are not usually
profitable work for the established architect, the
architects will make their contribution to this move-
ment at present in the form of a Small House Com-
petition, program of which is herewith enclosed.
"You. are invited to participate in this movement
and send in the best solution of the small house prob-
lem that can be devised for your particular locality.
You will notice that the cash prizes to be awarded
are considerable, and that the other prize conditions
are more important to the architectural profession.
The plans securing the prizes will be widely pub-
lished, will be made available, complete with spe-
cifications ready for execution, at small cost to home
owners, architects and builders. These plans will
bear the architect's name and address so that he may
receive not only compensation for every reproduc-
tion of his plan, but may be placed in contact with
the builder. Furthermore, arrangements are being
made to reproduce the first-prize designs in the ex-
position in facsimile and other prize designs in
small models. One large house-furnishing store has
offered to reproduce the prize designs in full size,
furnished and decorated, in their store and it is ex-
pected that other stores throughout the country will
do similar service.
"We trust that you will consider this matter of
enough value to yourself, the profession and the pub-
lic to prepare and send a design which will be the best
that your combined office force can produce. If
you cannot participate, will you be kind enough to
hand this program to some draftsman who would
be competent to participate."
The program may be had by addressing Hr. Hols-
man at 175 West Jackson boulevard, Chicago.
New York Society of Architects
This society held its regular monthly meeting
Tuesday evening, Dec. 21, at the United Engineer-
ing Societies Building, West Thirty-ninth street,
New York City, President James Riely Gordon in
the chair. A full quota of members was present, and
great interest manifested in the various important
topics discussed.
A communication was read from the chairman of
the Board of Standards and Appeals, in regard to
the proposed rules requiring rat-proofing of build-
ings along the river fronts. After somewhat ex-
tended discussion, in which the element of humor
was not lacking, the meeting, on motion by Mr. H.
Holder, passed a resolution that "the society is op-
posed to the structural requirements under consid-
eration before the Board of Standards and Appeals,
29
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
in<l that this matter can be more effectually dealt
of Health, each indmdua 1 hou*-
that .In- good
buildings, would not warrant the
ed, and , ha, .her. arc stapte and more eco-
I1(,mk,,l expedients, such as wire netting applied. to
« which are largely infested by rats; the hlling
i,-, with broken glass or concrete between studs of
partitions, and closing up runways of these vermin.
which would suffice to meet the emergency. At the
same .inn-, as regards new buildings, the proposed
additional precautions might, if only in a mod
form, be adopted.
In response to an inquiry from a member as to
whether a corporation can practice architecture under
the title of Registered Architect, the information
was elicited that such practice is illegal, since the
title of R. A. is conferred only upon individuals, and
a corporation, even though employing registered ar-
chitects, may not assume such title.
President Gordon asked for suggestions from
members which might assist Senator Dunnigan's
Housing Committee, and the discussion brought out
the general opinion of members that reforms are
necessary in the practice of dealers and manufactur-
ers refusing to give price quotations to architects or
their clients. It was pointed out that corporations
doing business in the state owe a duty to the public,
by whose sufferance they are permitted to do busi-
ness as such, and such corporations should be placed
under a legal obligation to sell to any bona fide cus-
tomer at a fair market price. Material men and
dealers at present will not quote prices to anyone ex-
cept contractors in their particular or affiliated line.
This ignorance of costs prohibits the architect from
giving a comprehensive estimate to prospective in-
vestors, entailing a loss of prestige and confidence in
the architect. Another point brought out was the
wasteful methods encouraged by the rules of the
labor unions, which make necessary a great deal of
work in the field which could be done in the shop at
half the cost.
The idea of the open shop was strongly favored by
the meeting, as being thoroughly American, and in
accord with the principle that the fight to work shall
not be denied to any man.
The Society deplored the fact that there does not
appear to be a man in public life who has courage
to uphold the right of the individual as against com-
binations, whether of capital or labor. This same
principle of class interest appears to dominate the
commercial life of the community, to the grievous
limitation of individual liberty.
Severe comment was also made upon the fact that
architects as a class have been the chief sufferers
from the conditions which have prevailed for
term architect in its original and
nS; signifies Master Builder,
such the man who bears that title ought to be
to control all classes and interests included m
domain of building construction ^f*^
f fact however, the architect is held to be of little
account in these days, and as to compensation for his
^ ces-essential to the welfare of the commun. y
as those services are-he is probably the most poorly
paid of all professional men: the average emp oyee
in an architect's office receiving perhaps about the
same pay as a common laborer on the building he
designs and superintends.
A 2,000-Year Old Definition of an
Engineer
In a recent address before the Western Society
of Engineers, Mr. John W. Alvord, past president
of the society, gave a definition of an engineer
made by Marcus Vitruvius, who wrote 150 years
B. C.
"He should be a good writer, a skillful
draughtsman, versed in geometry and optics, expert
at figures, acquainted with history, informed on the
principles of natural and moral philosophy, some-
what of a musician, not ignorant of the sciences,
both law and physics, nor of the motions, laws and
relations to each other of the heavenly bodies.
* * * Moral philosophy "will teach him to be
above meanness in his dealings and. to avoid arro-
gance. It will make him just, compliant and faith-
ful to his employer, and what is of highest import-
ance, it will prevent avarice gaining an ascendency
over him, for he should not be occupied with
thoughts of filling his coffers, nor with the desire
of grasping everything in the shape of gain, but by
the gravity of his manners and a good character,
should be careful to preserve his dignity."
The Architectural League of
Indianapolis
The Architectural League of Indianapolis is a new
organization based upon that of the Architectural
League of New York City, with some changes that
were considered necessary to adapt it to local con-
ditions.
Charter membership is still open as it is hoped
to reach everyone personally who might be inter-
ested or benefited by an organization of this charac-
ter.
It is the purpose to bring about a closer associa-
tion and co-operation of the architects, sculptors,
landscape architects, draftsmen, painters, decorators,
and all the allied artisans. •
30
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Arrangements have been made whereby the
League will have use of lecture and class rooms at
the John Herron Art Institute. The League is re-
sponsible for the local atelier of the Beaux-Arts In-
stitute of Design, which has a following of about
thirty-five students. Courses have been arranged
in Architecture and Interior Decoration. Beginners
will have a special class to train them in the elements
of design to prepare for Beaux-Arts problems.
An interesting course of lectures is planned for
the winter. Several small exhibitions will be held
and later it is hoped that some large exhibition of
local work may be arranged for and advantage taken
of some of the large traveling exhibits.
The League is a post-war effort to revive interest
in artistic organization and to increase public appre-
ciation of the arts. All lectures are open to the pub-
lic. The secretary of the League would be glad to
correspond with other organizations, for the purpose
of exchanging ideas which would be of mutual bene-
fit, and to learn of possible lectures and exhibits.
Billions for Construction in 1921
Early resumption of home building and other
forms of construction is assured if reports of con-
templated building projects may be taken as a cri-
terion for the coming year.
These reports show that contemplated building
projects for the territory north of the Ohio River
and east of the Missouri will probably reach the tre-
mendous amount of $4,800,000,000, which under
normal conditions would indicate actual construction
during 1921 of approximately $3,200,000,000.
The low lumber market now prevailing paves the
way for a big reduction in building costs. Thou-
sands upon thousands of homes, so badly needed, will
be built under these conditions. This will neces-
sarily call upon thousands of men from all trades for
the production of building materials.
Such demands will naturally lead to steady pro-
duction and universal employment which in turn
will make for better business activity and general
prosperity.
Largest Concrete Building
The largest concrete building yet erected on Man-
hattan Island is now being built at 395 Hudson
street. New York. The building, partly an 11 -story
office building and warehouse and partly a five-story
and basement warehouse, will occupy the entire block
surrounded by Hudson, West Houston, Greenwich
and Clarkson streets. The construction will cover
an area 338 by 200 feet and will be throughout of
reinforced concrete with the exception of a veneer
of brick on the exterior walls. McKenzie, Voorhees
& Gmelin are the architects. The work is being done
by the Turner Construction Company.
This operation furnishes a most interesting side
light on the trend of building design in the greater
city. For many years it has been an accepted fact
that reinforced concrete was an ideal building mate-
rial for industrial buildings, but loft buildings, apart-
ment houses, office buildings and institutional build-
ings have still been built almost exclusively of struc-
tural steel, brick, stone and terra cotta. With the
present labor and material price situation, the econ-
omy in favor of reinforced concrete is so big that
many people, who through prejudice or inertia, had
refused to consider reinforced concrete, are now
turning to this material as the only way out of their
difficulties.
The building is of a type which up to a year or so
ago, would have been built of structural steel. To-
day it is going ahead, the largest building of its kind,
or reinforced concrete without any structural steel in-
volved at all. There are many office and loft build-
ings, twelve stories or less in height, which could
be efficiently, economically and expeditiously built
of reinforced concrete at this time. This building
will be occupied by the Western Electric Co. and the
New York Telephone Co.
The American Standard of Living
Much is said about an American standard of liv-
ing, remarks the Boston Transcript editorially. Much
is said of the necessity of minimum wage scales in
industry. It is time that there should be some well-
formulated ideas as to what constitute an American
standard of housing, especially in the congested dis-
tricts of the great cities. Of what avail is it to erect
hospitals and maintain clinics for the treatment of
the sick if disease is to spread and multiplied in its
extent by the overcrowding of tenements ? How
much permanent good will follow efforts at combat-
ing vicious tendencies in city life, if many thousands
of city dwellers are deprived of any semblance of
decent privacy in their living quarters, and if the
lure of the streets is enhanced by the lessening of
home accommodations, already, in many cases, piti-
fully inadequate?
It is questions such as these that are evidently mak-
ing strong impression upon the minds of judges who
hear cases involving the meaning or the validity of
laws passed during the present crisis. These laws
are emergency measures. But back of them is the
fact that, while there may be only temporary need of
drastic measures such as have recently been enacted,
there is urgent and permanent need of the mainte-
nance of an American standard of housing, in accom-
plishing which a well-considered and reasonable body
of law, of course, will be essential.
31
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Personals
Charles K. Cummings, architect, is located at 8
Beacon street, Boston, Mass., formerly of 6 Joy
street, that city.
W. D. Johnson & Co., architects, have changed
their firm name from Johnson & Burns to the
above. They are situated at 174 Bond street, Hart-
ford. Conn.
Bruno Wozny, architect, formerly located at 381
Main street, Springfield, Mass., has moved to 94
State street, that city.
Marshall J. Smith, architect, has opened new
offices at 411-412 Oxford Building, Washington,
D. C.
William C. Noland, architect, has become located
at the Old Dominion Trust Building, Ninth and
Main streets, Richmond, Va. Mr. Noland formerly
was a member of Noland & Baskerville, architects,
of the same city.
Simpson & Githens, architects, moved from room
833, Reibold Building, Dayton, O., to room 869 of
the same building, for the larger quarters the latter
affords.
News from Various Sources
Of the 110,000,000 citizens of this country, 45,-
000,000 are physically imperfect, 15,000,000 die an-
nually, 3,000,000 are in bed all the time, and 1,000,-
000 have tuberculosis. Only 37,500,000 are fairly
healthy, and only 19,500,000 are in full vigor. There
are more persons in the insane asylums in this coun-
try than in the colleges and universities, and it costs
more to maintain the former than the latter.
* * *
The Illinois Legislature will be asked to provide a
total of $8,000,000 for the new state hospital in Chi-
cago. A million dollars have already been appropri-
ated, the foundations have been laid and bids are be-
ing received for the construction. Frank I. Bennett,
director of public works for the state, has the matter
in charge.
* * *
The new Ambassador Hotel, at North State and
mid-Decem-
Interest in the "Own Your Home Expostiion," to
be held at the Coliseum, March 26 to April 2, is in-
creasing. Practically all exhibition space has been
sold, it is announced.
* * *
Addressing itself to the proposition, "Is Chicago
a Jay Town," the Chicago Tribune says editorially :
"Architecturally we are anarchy, lacking the unity
and harmony and high standards which stamp with
character all the great cities of the world— even nou-
veau New York."
* * *
Sweden may spend $2,500,000 to establish wire-
less communication with the outside world, espe-
cially with the United States.
* * *
The largest industrial eating place in the world,
capable of feeding 3,100 persons at one time, is
operated at the Westinghouse plant in Pittsburgh.
* * *
President Wilson's annual message, transmitted
to Congress Dec. 7, recommends revision of tax
laws, economy in Government, a "workable" budget
system, a loan to Armenia, independence of the
Philippines, rehabilitation and training of disabled
soldiers and efforts to reduce cost of living.
* * *
Senate, Dec. 7, received and referred approxi-
mately 17,000 nominations, chiefly those made dur-
ing recess of Congress. They included officials of
all ranks and about 15,000 army nominations.
* * *
Senator Knox, for Senator McCormick (R.).,
Dec. 7, introduced a bill reorganizing the executive
departments and various Federal agencies.
Senator Kenyon (R.), Dec. 7 introduced a
to create a department of public welfare.
bill
Representative Rogers (R.) introduced a bill,
Dec. 7, providing for co-ordination of functions of
War Risk Insurance Bureau, Public Health Ser-
vice and Federal Board for Vocational Training to
be combined in a bureau of veteran re-establish-
ment of Interior Department.
A Correction
In the article on Post- War Housing in our issue of
December 22, page 817, it was stated that only about
three per cent, of all building in this country is de-
signed by architects. This is a typographical error,
dispute is now bang waged as to the as the correct amount in value should be 73 per cent
the name "Ambassador." The Hotel Sherman In our issue of Dec. 15 page 787 the President
my owns the new Chicago hotel, and the Am- of the Cleveland Cliffs Iron
ssador Hotel organization objects to the local use noted as W G Mather
consulting architect.
Mr. George W. Maher was
32
'V
V.»fV//.
e
*-<
5
8
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
VOL. CXIX WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1921 NUMBER 2351
War Memorials
Impressions of an Interview with Cass Gilbert, Jr. (Who Served As Second
Lieutenant, 17th Field Artillery, 2d Division, A.E.F.), in Which
Mr. Gilbert Comments on War Memorials Generally and the
Proposed New York State Memorial Particularly
WHAT form should a war memorial take?
In that question is summed up a vast
amount of contention which has seriously
affected a substantial portion of our population since
the signing of the Armistice and which remains to-
day as far from a satisfactory solution as it was at
the very beginning of that period when war memo-
rials came seriously to mind with so large a part of
the nation's population. There appear to be two
schools, the one believing purely in beauty which
will inspire the ideals for which the Army and Navy
fought, as opposed to utility; the other in a com-
bination of the two. Both schools have in mind the
commemoration of an ideal or ideals. Those who
speak for utility do so in relation to the community
as a whole, and usually have in mind such ideals
as citizenship (Americanization programs, for ex-
ample), fraternity, democracy and the benefits
which are offered the living through such a medium
as the proposed Victory Hall or similar types of
community centers. They believe that the com-
memoration of ideals can go hand in hand with any
sort of memorial designed primarily with a view to
utility, and that the spirit with which the men fought
and died can be most appropriately remembered and
cherished through the medium of utility which seeks
to benefit, and materially .better, the citizenship of
any community, large or small.
To these contentions serious objections were
raised.
"A war memorial," Mr. Gilbert explained, "should
be so designed and executed that it gives one impres-
sion only, and that impression should be one of sheer
beauty, strongly suggestive of the ideals for which
the memorial stands; namely, Courage, Bravery,
Liberty and Victory. It should be thought of only
in relation to those who were most actively and in-
timately engaged in the war. I am speaking of
those who not only gave their lives on the field of
battle, but of the men and women alike who gave
themselves entirely to the aid of the Government in
helping the men on the battle line.
"With those basic principles in mind, it is difficult
to understand how anything other than the strictest
interpretation of a memorial would suffice. The so-
called utility which has been spoken of is not at all
fair to the men who fought. Think of a so-called
Community Center, Public Hall or other utility
which should perhaps, on its own merits, be pro-
vided by the community in the normal progress of
its development as opposed to a magnificent monu-
mental memorial, and analyze the value of the two.
The community idea, expressed by such a structure,
would not be used to any great degree by the men
most concerned with it. It would not be enough
merely to provide some sort of 'forum' where
people could meet to further citizenship. Supposing
even that the scheme worked as contemplated, and
that the 'forum' proved its worth as anticipated.
What of it ? What would there be in that to remind
people in future years of the ideals for which men
fought and for which men and women alike gave
their all?
"Practically nothing. A public gathering place in
New York, regardless of its beauty, does not inspire
much reverence, or idealism, or thoughts of the past
as related to the future. The city is too huge. There
are too many other buildings. Such a memorial
would not stand out ; it could hardly make itself felt
so effectively as a detached memorial.
"That, in a general way, is true of all cities. There
is only this difference, that in New York it loses its
purpose because of the city's hugeness, and in smaller
cities or towns it becomes commonplace, regardless
of its beauty. Commonplace because it is, after all,
merely another building, another public gathering
place. Sheer beauty of the structure cannot take
away from the fact that it is designed primarily as
a common meeting ground for the community ; and
there are few persons idealistic enough to detach
Copyright, 1921, The Architectural & Building Press (Inc.)
themsel
where ii '^ ' /v- *• *t> • ••-•— —
ideal. And if they cannot do so, the
failure, hcrai^i- any memorial should be
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
i , ti-.it if anv societv or group of citizens sets out
h. ,n,m a gathering and ihink of the place rue tha if any oaet y org^ p ^ ^ ^
„ fa, being held a. a a.mmeiuorat.on of an ^ buy^M ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ F^ ^^ ^ ^
An<1 ' with which to carry out their intention?
pour in upon them with a mere mention
n? Not at all. They must campaign
for it, even if the home to be bought was once that
of a well-known and very much loved public figure,
"There is another objection to the community o ^ ,Monticello>. the home of Jefferson,
scheme which seems to me a very serious ^^ ^ much more difficu]t wom(1 it be to
i:,, _,,.,!]>• flip nallhearer of idealism. It is . , , j. . i ,
OI IIIC SUICIIUIU ell I lit- vv-i»ivni. "- i ----
to the actions of the present or future. Its purpose
is retroactive.
— (Vnw
Utility is usually the P^^^f^J^ maintain a war memorial dedicated to no one in par-
ticular, but to an ideal ? What chance would it stand
of being saved from sale for commercial purposes, if
necessarily a fact that utility in itself implies the
subordination of sheer idealistic beauty, else such
beauty would be considered alone in the first place ^"comn^unhV'foIlnd'it to" be a matter 'related de-
I do not mean that beauty and utility cannot exist ^.^ ^ ^ of tQ assessments of some form or
_ m tQ assessments o some orm or
side by side, but I do mean most emphatically, tha 9 Memorial Hall were endowed.
if a memorial is considered from the utihtanan pom m ^ndowed funds have come down to us
of view every other element of the scheme must
necessarily be thought of ,n Us proper relation t,
utility, and not to beauty or to the interpretation of an
of view every other element of the scheme must , We are ti this
necessarily be thought of ********** memorial not for the present (the present knows
remember), but for the future so that our
^
"Such a viewpoint holds true for all who enjoy descendants may know what this generation did for
• i T-U tu- the country in the Great War.
the privileges of any utihtanan memorial. The thing „ ' Q{ memorial th would
begins as a building consecrated, so far as it is pos- .„
il i vr hr ° '
sible to consecrate it, to an ideal ; but in a very short
while it becomes a building and nothing more. What-
ever idealism may have existed at the beginning
gives way to thinking of that memorial as a building
where one may go, precisely as one goes to a hotel
or theatre or other public place.
"Idealism, or the commemoration of idealism
through the medium of any community scheme,
which is after all merely a gathering place for peo-
ple, inevitably gives way to thinking of that scheme
of commemoration primarily as a gathering place,
and nothing more. Consider Carnegie Hall as an
example. People go to Carnegie Hall with no
thought of Andrew Carnegie, and the name has
become merely an address rather than a memorial."
"There are purely material objections as well, are
there not?" the writer asked Mr. Gilbert.
"One particularly suggests itself at the moment,"
he replied. "Death will reduce the ranks of the
American Legion or other patriotic organizations to
whom a memorial is built. As they become fewer
and fewer, it becomes a harder matter to support the
memorial, to furnish funds for its continued exist-
ence. It falls into a slow and gradual decay. It is
sometimes lost entirely and goes its way under the
auctioneer's hammer.
"Now, this is not a guess or a prophecy. It is
•ased on fact. Precisely that has happened to cer-
rnemorials' of the Grand Army of the Republic, beauty and i
ilso based upon observation. Consider for a
moment how difficultt it is to raise money
urmr»n *•*-» K<i.,. J
The idealistic sort, the purely beautiful sort,
which would most certainly serve the community with
its idealism and its beauty, but which could not pos-
sibly be confused with a public gathering place in the
sense that a building would be so confused.
"There are innumerable sorts of such memorials.
Arches, monuments, symbolic statues, and so forth.
In its planning and execution I would like to see
a close co-operation between the architect and the
sculptor. If it were to be set by itself, apart from
any but a natural background, and not as a part of
a structure, it may become then a matter more for
the sculptor alone; but this is dependent upon its
extent and importance; and where planning is
required the services of the architect are essential.
If it is to be a structure — arch, monument or the
like — in which the sculptor will contribute his
share, I believe the architect should have complete
supervision of every detail, so that whatever the
sculptor produces will fit' into the structure and not
the structure into the sculptor's work.
"As an example of a very appropriate memorial,
let me cite a proposal for New York. A splendid
memorial for the state could be erected at Fort
Wadsworth, facing the Lower Bay. It is very
nearly the last bit of land one sees in leaving these
shores and the first on coming in. There an impres-
sive memorial could be erected that would express
Kfi.-,,,4-,, „„. J I J _ 1 • j ..
would inspire our fighting forces to
stronger efforts as they sailed out to war. It would
which to buy or support the homes of our great be <
men in this country. Isn't that a fact? Y tnousands who go in and out the bay,
s >t not whether to or from foreign ports or to the recrea
34
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
tion centers along the neighboring coasts ; and, in
fact, its environment could be made a park of great
beauty, available to the people. So situated it would
not rival the Statue of Liberty further up the bay,
but would reinforce the ideal for which it stands.
In some appropriate place it would have the name
of every New York man who took part in the war
as a soldier or sailor."
"But why not place it somewhere on Fifth Ave-
nue?"
"There are various reasons why that could not be
done, on Fifth Avenue itself. One of the most per-
tinent, I believe, is that there are only a very few
streets in all the world along which troops may
march properly, and Fifth Avenue is one of them.
Anything, however small, placed in the Avenue
would naturally break that wonderful straight
stretch for marching. Troops would have to go
around a column of any sort, and that would spoil
the effect of any magnificent parade.
"The traffic signal towers to some extent already
constitute obstacles to effective marching of troops
on parade. These towers can readily be removed,
however, for such parades as would march up Fifth
Avenue. This was done in 1919. A permanent
monument could not be removed for a parade, nor
would it be desirable to remove a memorial to
Victory for a Victory Parade.
"Secondarily, the matter of scale must be taken
into consideration. A monument for such a pur-
pose should be the dominant and unrivalled feature
of the location in which it is placed. Where on the
Avenue do you find any considerable number of
buildings less than five stories in height? Where,
except at its upper end, could you put up a suitable
monument or arch which would not necessitate the
tearing down of expensive improvements?
"At Madison Square. Yes, the space exists, but
what would the proportions of any monument there
have to be in order to dominate the place? The
Metropolitan Tower would dwarf anything less than
700 feet high, and even at that height, the eye would
be taken up too much with the surrounding build-
ings.
"It may be urged that an arch would not obstruct
marching troops. That is true, but it presupposes
either that the arch should span a sufficient width to
permit of 'columns of platoons' as wide as those in
the parades of 1919, when the marching troops
filled the full width of the avenue from curb to
curb ; or that the column formation should be
changed to permit it to pass through an arch of
smaller width. The narrower the columns of troops
the longer it takes for the march past. The old
Roman arches are far too small for a modern
column to pass through. Moreover, there must be
sufficient width for the piers and sufficient height
for good proportion. In any event the modern
towers and skyscrapers would form an unrelated and
unsympathetic environment for such a monument."
"Are there no other locations?"
"Yes, there are other fine locations. At 59th
Street and Fifth Avenue, at the entrance to Central
Park, for an example. Another fine site would be
Mt. Morris Park, which is at the north end of Fifth
Avenue. Here property could be restricted and
building height limited at the present time so that a
memorial situated on the rocky knoll would be the
dominant feature of the section. Troops would
march up to it and disburse around its base. It
could be seen from way down the Avenue. The
Washington Arch is at the south end of the Avenue,
and what would be more appropriate than to have a
memorial to valor at the north end of the Avenue?
Other sites may be found, as, for instance, the
heights at the northern end of Manhattan Island,
where a memorial of sufficient size could be seen
from way up the Hudson and from Long Island
Sound."
"But the finest you believe to be the site near
Fort Wadsworth?"
"I do. And incidentally, let me say that the theory
that a memorial to a present achievement should go
where the greatest number of persons can see it is
not always correct. A monument should be as con-
veniently located to the center of population as pos-
sible, but it should always be located in a completely
proper setting, with the right kind of background.
There are very few places in New York City where a
fitting memorial can be put up. Rather than risk a
poor background, I believe in the more or less iso-
lated location, so far as the center of population or
the heaviest circulation is concerned.
"Grant's Tomb is an example of a memorial which
is not at all centrally located, but which is most cer-
tainly visited by thousands of people who find it con-
venient to get there.
"I believe in people seeking the memorial, and not
the memorial seeking the people."
Mr. Gilbert was then asked by the writer whether
he believed it advisable to postpone the building of
memorials for either definite or indefinite periods,
until, as has been suggested by the advocates of post-
ponement, "crystallization of thought takes place."
"Not at all," was his answer. "An ideal will
not be more apparent nor finer ten years from today
than it is at the present moment, because it is a
basic and fundamental ideal : the maintenance of
common justice. There is nothing about it which
requires perspective, as the character and achieve-
ments of a man require perspective ; and it is prob-
able, if anything, that we could build a much finer
and more fitting memorial at present than we could
when enthusiasm has cooled.
35
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
•The fundamental ideals of civilization need no
inquiry into the motives which prompted them, and
tlK.-n.-fon- it is not necessary to wait for any 'crystal-
lization of thought,' as there usually is in regard to
the character or public services of an individual.
"The achievements of the present should be com-
memorated in the present. What the good men do
is too soon forgotten. We are too much given to
criticism of things present and praise of things past.
"There is one thing I wish to add," Mr. Gilbert
concluded. "Too much emphasis cannot be given
it Such a monument as we have been discussing
is' to memorialize a great event, and it is to honor
those men and women who gave themselves and
their substance to service. Is it not fitting, then, for
those who served and who came through to deter-
mine the form, character and location of the
memorial which shall be erected? The best is none
too good, nor in the ranks of those who served is
there lack of talent to create a fitting memorial."
A New Attempt by Labor to Organize
Architectural Draftsmen
A Review of the Recent Newark, N.J., Controversy, with Impressions of a
Conversation with One of the Most Prominent Architects of the
Metropolitan District and Opinions of the Situation
from Various Sections of the Country
EDITOR'S NOTE : The architect quoted in this ar-
ticle, u>ho requested that his name be withheld, is very
well knozvn to the profession throughout the country
and in the Metropolitan District in particular. It was
thought best by the Editor that no personal aspect be
given to opinions quoted herein, and for that reason
no names have been printed. A free and frank opin-
ion of the situation has thus been obtained.
THE recent attempt on the part of the Build-
ing Trade Council of Newark to unionize
the architectural draftsmen of that city marks
what might be termed a new policy on the part of
organized labor.
There would appear to be three vital points at is-
sue. First, what would be done in the case of archi-
tects who draw their own plans ? Secondly, is there
precedent for the formation of such a union ? Third-
ly, do the draftsmen themselves desire it ?
As to the first point, one of the prominent
architects of the country admits frankly 'that he
does not know, nor does he believe the labor leaders
of Newark know, what would be done about the
small architect who draws his plans, and is there-
fore a draftsman.
"To intelligently grasp the situation it is necessary
to review its brief history. Some time ago I re-
ceived the following letter :
"To All Architects, Engineers and Contractors of
Newark and Vicinity.
"Gentlemen :
"This is to inform you that Local No. 34 of the Inter-
national Federation of Technical Engineers', Architects'
and Draftsmen's Unions affiliated with the Building
Trades Council of Newark and vicinity is actively
engaged trying to better the material and social con-
ditions of technical men. We are aware of the fact
that all fair-minded employers of draftsmen and engi-
neers are welcoming the advent of our union, which,
it is hoped, will prevent further depletion of the ranks
of technical men.
"Due to the unorganized state of the drafting depart-
ments, many employers, regardless of their desire to
increase the wages and salaries of their technical staff,
can not possibly do so without running into com-
petition with employers who do not take the same view.
"To ameloriate this condition, Local No. 34 has been
prosecuting for some time a vigorous campaign of
organization among the draftsmen and architects in
the building industry, finding full support in the Build-
ing Trades Council of Newark and vicinity, which at
its session of May 14, 1920, passed a resolution, setting
November 1 of this year as the date on which all the
plans and drawings to be acceptable in the field, must
be made by union architects and draftsmen, belonging
to the International Federation of Technical Engineers',
Architects' and Draftsmen's Unions.
"Trusting this information will obviate all possible
misunderstanding in the future, and bring about mutual
co-operation of all concerned, we are,
"Sincerely yours,
"WILLIAM LYONS,
"President Building Trades Council."
"Now, you will note that the letter is headed
36
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
"Technical Men of Newark and Vicinity (Local No.
34) International Federation of Technical Engi-
neers', Architects' and Draftsmen's Unions.' That
is a very important point, because the existence of
the International Federation of Technical Engi-
neers', Architects' and Draftsmen's Unions might
be taken as precedent for the formation of a drafts-
men's union here.
"The fact of the matter is this: On July 1, 1918,
upon application of six local unions, which had been
operating as units for some time, the American Fed-
eration of Labor granted an International Charter,
under the title of 'International Federation of
Draftsmen's Unions.' Subsequently, this name was
changed to the present one. The reasons that
brought about the formation of this International at
that time were as follows :
"The marine draftsmen, then organized in several
independent Unions, made an attempt to appear be-
fore the Shipbuilding Labor Adjustment Board (al-
so known as the Macy Board) and to present a pro-
posed classification for the marine draftsmen
throughout the shipbuilding industry. Their appear-
ance before this board was prevented on the ground
that the Board could consider such matters only
when presented by organizations that were represen-
tative national or international bodies.
"These several unions, realizing this fundamental
weakness in their position, made immediate applica-
tion to the American Federation of Labor for a char-
ter. This application was tentatively approved about
the 28th day of May, 1918, and recognized them as
an international body, pending the granting of a for-
mal charter on the date first above state. As an In-
ternational of the A. F. of L., a hearing was prompt-
ly granted by the Macy Board. Sitting on this board
of three was A. J. Berres, Secretary-Treasurer of
the Metal Trades Department of the A. F. of L.
The result of this hearing was that all marine drafts-
men in Government, as well as in private employ,
were granted a wage increase of about 36 per cent.
"Those facts are taken from a pamphlet issued by
this particular Federation, entitled 'A Practical Or-
ganization : What It Is, What It Has Done.'
"Now, let me emphasize the fact that I believe the
unionization of marine draftsmen in the Govern-
ment employ or in private employ, or of drafts-
men in terra cotta works, pipe factories, or the like,
is a legitimate procedure. Everyone knows well
enough that draftsmen in the Government employ
could not get a hearing without organization of some
sort. That is due to a multiplicity of reasons. Every
one knows that draftsmen in terra cotta factories, or
in factories of any sort where one finds about three
draftsmen to three hundred union workers, are hope-
lessly out of everything unless they are affiliated with
some organization through which they can make
themselves felt.
"Apart from that fact, however, is the very ap-
parent one that the architectural draftsman is dis-
tinctly apart from the marine or even the architectu-
ral draftsman in the Government employ under civil
service regulations. The architectural draftsman in
private life has something ahead of him, for he looks
forward to the time when he will become an archi-
tect himself and go into the open market in compe-
tition with other architects. The government em-
ployee, on the other hand (and this Federation of
Technical Engineers, Architects and Draftsmen is
composed principally of Government employees)
looks forward to practically nothing. He usually re-
mains a Government employee for the greater part
of his life. He has little, if any, desire to get into the
open market in competition with other draftsmen or
architects. Hence he has need of some sort of or-
ganization through which he can make himself felt,
or through which he can secure an audience with
the powers that be."
The speaker paused for a moment and searched in
his files for a letter, which he handed to the writer a
moment later. It was an application for a position
as draftsman by a man duly registered in New Jer-
sey as an architect.
"There you have quite a problem," the speaker
continued. "What is that man? Is he a draftsman
or an architect ? I look upon him as a draftsman be-
cause he makes application for a position as such and
because architects as a whole regard him as such.
But what does this proposed draftsmen's union term
him? Supposing they did call him a draftsman? He
comes into my office today, and is admitted into the
union. Six months from today he leaves my employ,
becomes an architect himself, and employs a drafts-
man. He then becomes an employer. What happens
to his union membership? Unions dori't want em-
ployers in their organizations, do they?"
"It's not the usual procedure."
"I should say it is not. Yet, that architect
who draws his own plans is actually a draftsman,
so far as the union is concerned, and the union seal
would necessarily be placed upon all his works.
Now, there must be some sort of fee for the use
and privilege of the seal, and the small architect
would be obliged to pay that fee precisely as would
the draftsman employed by any architect. What
would he be given in return? If he could not belong
to the union he would gain none of its privileges. Is
it exactly fair to ask a man to contribute something
to a union without the slightest advantage to himself
for that contribution?
"But above all these facts there is a very vital point
which seems to have been overlooked by the Build-
ing Trades Council," the speaker emphasized. "I
37
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
want KI cmpha-i/f it, because I believe it to be the
..in -tan. ling factor in the whole situation.
••The draftsman in our offices is the architect of
the future. I le is closely affiliated with the architect
in all his dealings. Draftsmen are often delegated to
in-pivt work, interpret drawings, and make decisions
on Miaif of the architect. It is therefore vital that
the draftsman, if he is to render impartial service,
shall not be affiliated with a labor organization.
"I'.y the forming of a draftsmen's union, the em-
ploying architect is driven into an employers' asso-
ciation and the draftsman is enlisted on the side of
labor. Under such circumstances, how is it possible
for either party to make just and equitable decisions ?
"It is important for the proper conduct of the
building industry that there be one set of men who
are neutral, to whom both the owner and contractor
can look for just decisions. This body of men should
be the architects and their draftsmen.
"If the organizers of labor would think for a mo-
ment they could readily see our point of view. It i->
for their advantage, and the advantage of society
in general, that the architects and their draftsmen
should not be affiliated in any way with either the
owners, contractors, or labor, but be free to render
just and impartial service in the future as they al-
ways have in the past.
"Furthermore, an organization of draftsmen and
architects along labor union lines is wholly unsuited
to a profession, and a fine art like architecture. We
already have two societies in New Jersey, the New
Jersey Chapter of the Institute and the State Society
of Architects. Architects are admitted to both, and
draftsmen to the latter. How much better it would
be if all the architects and draftsmen in New Jersey
joined the same society. We could then get together
and discuss any problem and settle it to the satis-
faction of all concerned. If the draftsmen cared to
have an association as a side issue of the society,
they could do so after they became members, and
they would receive the fullest co-operation from the
architects."
"Do the draftsmen care to become members of a
union ?"
"The best answer to that is summed up in the
meeting of all architects and draftsmen of Newark
and vicinity, held October 16, for the purpose of
discussing this union, at which not a single drafts-
man could be found who in any way desired to be-
come affiliated with such a union. This is a resolu-
tion unanimously passed at that meeting:
Whereas, The Building Trades Council of Essex County
has notified architects, engineers and contractors that
after November 1, 1920, "all plans and drawings to be
acceptable in the field must be made by union archi-
s and draftsmen belonging to the International
Engineers, Architects' and Draftsmen's Unions"
and
Whereas, The draftsman is the future architect in
training for his profession, he being a part of the
architect's organization, representing him in inter-
preting the drawings and specifications as a part of
each contract, as such the draftsman necessarily
being in the same position of neutrality in his
decisions as the architect himself. Even the inde-
pendent architect not being in a neutral position if
his men were allied with the draftsmen's unions
and he (the architect) allied with the employers, the
contractors whose work he has to judge and control,
be it
Resolved, That the architects and draftsmen here
assembled do hereby agree to ally themselves
with the New Jersey Society of Architects (if not
allied thereto already) for the purpose of having a
truly representative organization in which all ques-
tions affecting the interests of architects and
draftsmen alike may be fully considered and equit-
ably and fairly adjudicated.
"Have you ever attempted any inquiry into vari-
ous sections of the country regarding this matter ?"
"I have. These letters" — handing a thick batch of
correspondence to the writer — "are answers to a cir-
cular I sent to leading architects in representative
sections of the country. Not one of these answers in-
dicates in any way that similar attempts at unioni-
zation of architectural draftsmen in private offices
has been successfully attempted in any of the sections
of the country to which the answers have reference.
In other words, there has been no other such attempt.
"What is even more important, you will notice that
the sentiment of draftsmen in the various sections
of the country represented in those letters not at
all interested in unionization, much less desirous of
becoming members of a draftsmen's union."
Glancing through the letters, the writer noticed
that from practically all sections of the country this
sentiment seemed to prevail :
First, that no known effort (except in one or two
unusual instances) has been made to organize
draftsmen's unions in the states represented in the
answers. Draftsmen in various states have been
questioned regarding their desire to become union-
ized, and expressed themselves as against any sucE
move.
Second, where any effort has actually been at-
tempted to unionize the draftsmen, the movement
has failed almost completely, so far as the archi-
tectural draftsmen in private offices are concerned.
As one draftsman in a large western office expressed
it : "I look forward to the time when I will practice
for myself and, if for no other reason than this, I
would not wish to affiliate with any labor
organization."
Third, the draftsmen in a number of cities have
expressed themselves emphatically satisfied with
things as they are.
"Such is the sentiment in almost every section
of the country. That being the case, I cannot
see how the Building Trades Council can advocate
38
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
a draftsmen's union on any sort of precedent what-
soever. It does not exist."
that I do not know of a single Newark architect or
draftsman who is a member. That alone should
'But there is a local of the International Federa- indicate the feasibility or advisability of a drafts-
tion of Technical Engineers, Architects and Drafts-
men's Unions in Newark, is there not?"
"Well, if the local exists, I can say pretty definitely
men's union in Newark. The letters I have showed
you indicate its feasibility in other sections of the
country. It is a local and national impossibility.
An Insight into Japanese Life
A JAPANESE house is one of the simplest
things ever built for it consists of little more
than four posts and a roof. But such imper-
manence, says the New York Herald, which is also
seen in other things, is a part of the strength of
the nation, for no people in the world have so few-
wants.
The Japanese have no bread, no beds, no fires, no
boots or shoes, no trousers for the men, no petti-
coats for the women — for both sexes wear several
dressing growns, one over the other. In their
houses they have no windows, no doors, no walls
but paper shutters fixed in grooves, no ceilings, no
chests of drawers, not even a washstand.
In the kitchen they have no range, no pots, no
pans, no flour bins, no kitchen tables. But then
they have no tables or chairs in the drawing room,
and in the real native house the drawing room itself
is only a lot of bed rooms with the paper shutters
taken down. There is no reason why you should
find anything in a Japanese house except mats and
a charcoal stove for warming your fingers and-mak-
ing tea.
These and a cushion or two and a quilt to sleep
on, with an elaborate conventional politeness, con-
stitute the furniture of a Japanese house, except
the guest chamber. And the articles in the guest
.chamber consist of a screen, a kakemono and a
flower vase.
Along with his magnificent want of wants, so to
speak, the Japanese combines a capacity to get huge
pleasure out of what we would regard as trifles and
after labors and sacrifices that we should think in-
tolerable. This extraordinary patience and whole
hearted enjoyment under all the niggardliness of his
lot marks the Japanese as unique among the peoples
of the world.
He lives on next to nothing and thrives on it. He
always has a smile. He works whenever he can get
any work to do. They are all week days to him.
Instead of a seventh day, Sunday, he has his festa,
a national holiday or a temple festival. In either
case he goes a-faring to some temple and takes his
children or a friend. He is never too poor to have
money to treat them.
He gives himself a holiday only when he is out
of work, and his holidays are inexpensive. He
just walks a hundred miles to see some famous gar-
den in its glory. He carries his baggage in a box,
wrapped in oil paper, and gets a bed at an inn for a
sum equivalent to a cent of our money. His food
is almost as cheap, and when the last turn in the
road shows him the irises of Horikai or the house
and cherry trees of Yoshino on the day of all the
year he would not change places with the King
of Great Britain and Ireland.
Judging by Western ideas, Japanese babies have
a hard time, yet there are no healthier children in
the world. The Japanese baby is dressed and un-
dresed in a frigid temperature in winter, and in
summer no care is taken to protect its tender little
eyes from the full glare of the sun. In winter
the small head is covered with a worsted cap of the
brightest and gayest design and color. The black
hair is cut in all sorts of fantastic ways, just like
the hair of the Japanese dolls imported into this
country.
The babies of the lower classes are generally
carried on the back of the mother or- little sister ;
sometimes the small brother is obliged to be the
nurse maid. The kimono is made extra large at the
back, with a pocket of sufficient size to hold the
baby, whose round head reaches the back of the
neck of the person who is carrying it.
It is not an uncommon sight to see children who
are barely old enough to toddle burdened with a
small brother or sister sleeping peacefully on their
backs. At first one expects to see the child stagger
and fall beneath the weight, but apparently none of
its movements are impeded and it plays with the
other children as unconcernedly as if it were not
loaded down with another member of the family.
At Nagasaki among the women coalers who coal
the ships one sees many who carry babies on their
backs in this way. The mothers work all day in
the rain or the sun or the snow, and the baby seems
indifferent to everything.
Till-: AMERICAN ARCHITECT
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OK ST r,
"
40
The Roman Catholic Church of St.Clare
Great Kills, Staten Island, New York
EGGERS & HIGGINS, Architects
IN a western city there is now being brought to
conclusion, under the direction of a large church
organization, a scheme for an educational group
of buildings. The promoters of this undertaking
contemplate the adoption of a Georgian Colonial
type of architecture and further propose to include
in the group replicas of many of the structures that
are to-day landmarks of our Colonial history. The
idea is based on the complete Americanization of
every student and incidentally to serve to inculcate
a viewpoint of patriotism.
Methods of Americanization in this country have
been carefully studied and important work is being
done. The Catholic Church in the United States has
undoubtedly largely aided in seeking to inculcate a
correct attitude on the part of its members towards
their duties as citizens. The small church now being
erected at Great Kills on Staten Island shows on
the part of its clergy and congregation a fine sense
of the fitness of things, of the duty of the Church in
the promotion of every patriotic impulse, and in a
much to be commented appreciation of its neighbor-
hood.
We do not recall, and we doubt if ever before there
has been built in this country a Roman Catholic
church of any size that took for its architectural
expression a style so purely American. And we are
sure that now so excellent an example has been set
that there will follow a further building of Roman
Catholic Churches that will express in the finest way
the high ideals of the Church in the United States,
both religious and civil. These things are the well
placed milestones on our path as a nation toward our
highest ideals.
Great Kills, on Staten Island, formerly known as
Gififords-by-the-Sea, was for many years a quaint
old fishing village. The lives of the people were the
lives of others in similar towns the length of our
North Atlantic Coast. Its men were the sturdy ele-
ment-braving type that fared forth at all seasons and
at all hours. Its women, equally sturdy as a type, were
of the quiet, reserved character that is bred in women
who daily wait the uncertain return of their men
folks from their fishing. The houses were the typical
fishermen's cottages, with a sprinkling of the better
type that showed the material prosperity of the vil-
lage. The whole amosphere of the town was purely
American, the growth of American customs and the
establishment of American ideals.
While no reasonable person will question those
matters of tradition that have for centuries caused
the Roman Catholic Church to avail of a purely
Roman type of architecture as an expression of its
church edifices, yet, like all precedent it is but the ac-
quirement of a habit based on a custom that no one
has been disposed to question.
FLOOR PLAN
A church in this typically American town would
naturally need to be of the town itself. It is there-
fore something worthy of mention when a commun-
(Continved on page 51)
41
Til!': AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Door of a Dutch Farm House,
North Paterson, N. J.
(See reproduction of drawing by O. R. Eggers on opposite page}
/A a preceding issue there was illustrated a gambrel-roof
louse, located on Staten Island in New York Harbor.
While, as stated, this type of house was typical of the
earlier form built by the Dutch when they settled along the
Hudson River Valley, the later coming of the English and
the intermingling of settlers from two countries so widely
differing in their architectural traditions undoubtedly
exerted certain influences, one on the other.
While the doorway which Mr. Eggers has drawn for the:
present illustration is strongly influenced by the later
Georgian motives as developed in this country, it appears
to be an original part of an otherwise typically Dutch house.
The door is divided after the Dutch fashion into two
separately movable leaves and the stone door sill un-
doubtedly has its placement as part of the Dutch custom
But the general detail of the frame of the door is equally
and unmistakably a relic of our early English Colonial
architecture.
The paneling at the sides of this doorway is apparently
hinged so as to close and form an outer door, a wise precau-
tion in a section where the winters were often extremely
rigorous It becomes interesting in studying a detail of this
character to note the effect of social conditions on the
development of architectural details
42
DOOR TO AN OLD DUTCH FARMHOUSE ON THE GOFFLE HILL ROAD, NORTH PATERSON, N. J.
THE AMERICAS ARCHITECT Serin of Earl, Araeritan Arifiilidur,
Confidence, Commonsense and
Co-operation
EVERYONE, without exception, of the authori-
ties who contributed articles to the preceding
issue of THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT on the present
and future of architecture and building, optimistical-
ly feels that conditions are daily becoming better.
Each one conservatively states the belief that ow-
ing to the enormous shortage that now prevails, there
will be no sudden advance, the bulk being too large.
But the feeling is generally expressed that within a
few months building in this country will be generally
resumed and will gather momentum to an extent that
there will be a revival and activity greater than we
have ever before experienced.
As to the profession of architecture, it is, as C. H.
Blackall states, more nearly on a business basis than
ever before, and has cast away a very considerable
proportion of the purely professional attitude that
has so long hampered it. This makes for a closer
and more efficient relation with the engineer and
builder, and will go a long way toward the restora-
tion of architects to their erstwhile proper relation as
master builders. These things mean better archi-
tecture, better satisfaction of clients and a more har-
monious relation throughout.
Basically economic conditions in the United States
are financially sound, states Francis H. Sisson, vice-
president of the Guaranty Trust Co. of New York.
Further, he offers the very sound advice that it is es-
sential that to preserve our prosperity we practice
just common sense, give the best constructive co-
operation to Congress and the progressive business
interests of the country. Co-operation in its highest
sense is the keynote of future prosperity in the con-
struction field. It has been lacking in the past, and
its performance should be the duty of all in the fu-
ture.
Not the least important element of this co-opera-
tion, so far as architects are concerned, will be the
promotion of a better relation between their own
profession and that of engineering. Each profes-
sion, as Kort Berle emphasizes in the interview pub-
lished in the preceding issue, must recognize the
members of the other as fellow professional men
and not as subordinates.
Louis J. Horowitz, president of the Thompson-
Starrett Co., expressed the opinion that most of the
drastic processes of post-war readjustment should be
over in the early part of 1921, and that we may rea-
sonably look for a gradual recrudescence of confi-
dence from that time on, is something that may be
accepted with confidence.
The keynote of our future course should be con-
fidence, common-sense and co-operation. With these
basic things always in mind, the future presents
only the most hopeful prospect.
A Fund to Assist Young Architects
IN order to add encouragement to young archi-
tects in pursuing the long and arduous train-
ing necessary to prepare them for successful prac-
tice, an unknown donor has announced to the Board
of Directors of The American Institute of Archi-
tects, through Mr. D. E. Waid, treasurer, that he
will give to the Institute a sum amounting to $25,000.
This amount is to create an education fund, the
income from which is to be used at the will of the
Institute for the benefit of the profession of archi-
tecture. The donor has suggested that the Board
of Directors of the Institute appoint a committee to
act in co-operation with the American School at
Rome, to establish and administer one or more trav-
eling scholarships, for which $1,500 per year will be-
come immediately available.
A condition of the gift is that when once the use
of the income of the foundation is determined, such
use can be changed in future only by a two-thirds
vote of the delegates at two successive conventions
of the Institute.
Every architect will learn of this new foundation
with much satisfaction and will feel grateful to the
man who has so liberally established it.
There are many men of large means in this coun-
try seeking to pose as patrons of the Fine Arts. The
accumulation of large collections, bought with the ut-
most commercial sense of values, and often dispersed
43
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
at large profit, while accomplishing a certain end has
not that permanent value that a fund affords.
Let us hope that so good an example as is shown
in this gift of $25,000 will result in additions to this
fund which will afford the most practical encourage-
ment to young men of demonstrated talent in the
field of architecture.
Congress and the Housing Shortage
IN an address delivered by Senator William M.
Calder of New York before the Marquette Club
at the Hotel Commodore, he stated that Congress
might find it necessary to appropriate millions of
dollars to build houses and apartments to relieve the
present shortage.
Senator Calder on his own part and that of the
committee of the Senate of which he is chairman,
has performed a valuable service in the investigation
of the causes that have produced the stoppage in
building operations. The facts this committee has
developed will be of the utmost service to the build-
ing industry throughout the country. It is believed
that the early resumption of construction may very
well be left in the hands of those who are most di-
rectly interested. The appropriation by Congress
•of money to provide housing takes the whole matter
into the field of politics and that is just exactly where
it should not go.
If the government will continue in the future as it
has in the past, and is now doing, to use its adminis-
trative and legislative authority in searching out
causes, detecting dishonest combinations, and those
activities that are in restraint of building progress, it
will render a most valuable service.
The conduct of building now and in the future
may safely rest in the hands of the architect and the
builder, whose work in the past has been of the most
practical and efficient character and on whom not
«ven the slightest responsibility rests for present con-
ditions.
The organization of the offices of architects and
builders has always been based on the highest effi-
ciency, and it is certain that that efficiency continues.
If Congress will disperse the illegal combinations
now known to exist, if the banks will make available
•mortgage money, if labor will recede from its profi-
teering, nothing can stem the wave of building con-
struction that will sweep over the United States.
Congress may very valuably act in stabilizing all the
conditions that affect building and leave the result in
the competent hands of the building industry.
How Much Will It Cost?
AFTER the prospective client has outlined his re-
quirements to his architect, the first question he
asks, nine times out of ten, is : "About how much will
such a building cost?" Before the war, when prices
were somewhat stable, it was not impossible to give
a fairly accurate answer to this question, even before
sketches or plans were made. Since the armistice,
however, price changes have been so great and sud-
den that the problem of determining with a fair de-
gree of accuracy the probable cost of a contemplated
building before plans and specifications have been
drawn has been a difficult one. The editors of THE
AMERICAN ARCHITECT have had the subject under
consideration for some months, and have even had
typical plans and outline specifications drawn for
various classes of buildings with the idea of having
them priced in various sections of the country, and
these prices revised from time to time to show
changes and trend. However, after doing some
work on this plan it was found to be impractical and
abandoned for the simpler one of showing actual cu-
bic foot costs of buildings of various types in differ-
ent sections of the country. The first and rather
meagre installment of these figures is given in the
table on page 58.
It is hoped that future tables will be more compre-
hensive, and show better distribution. This will de-
pend, however, upon the co-operation given by mem-
bers of the profession. Without that it will be im-
possible to furnish the required data, but with it there
should be no difficulty in making this service feature
of very real value to practicing architects. Inciden-
tally, it will enable them to overcome the impression
that is all too general, to the effect that architects are
unreliable in the matter of preliminary estimates.
To assist in making this feature of value, readers
are requested to send in the information shown on
the table printed on another page in connection with
any buildings upon which they have taken figures
within recent months.
44
m
s
5
w
c/l
13
O
VOL. CXIX, No. 2351
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY 12, 1921
vp
VIEW IN COURT
HOUSE OF RALPH ISHAM, SANTA BARBARA, CAL.
CHILDS & SMITH, ARCHITECTS
VOL. CXIX, \o. 2351
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY 12, 1921
HOUSE OF RALPH ISHAM, SANTA BARBARA, CAL.
CHILDS & SMITH, ARCHITECTS
VOL. CXIX, No. 2351
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY 12, 1921
HOUSE OF RALPH ISHAM, SANTA BARBARA, CAL.
CHILDS & SMITH, ARCHITECTS
VOL. CXIX, No. 2351
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY 12, 1921
FIRST NATIONAL BANK, MENASHA, WIS.
CHILDS & SMITH, ARCHITECTS
I
™
-
2
w
H
U
rt
<
^
<
u
h-H
«
W
w
ffi
H
S5
*
CJ
J
^ h
w «
W t-.
r - <J
H as
W -
CQ *
n ^
W (/J
u *
< s
fa £
o g
w
o
X
1,1,,.',:^' -. '-,• ^iteppp^
a^-allltVintlVl' ' " Hi' '' •'•'' 'I*' ' " '* '• ' ' ••^'•^'•'••n^™t~l'.!:;<.>J'-<™fM.ti.lW
The Fate of High Bridge
Do the Facts in the Case Warrant Its Reconstruction or Demolition
SPANNING the Harlem River at approxi-
mately a continuation of West 174th Street,
New York City, is High Bridge, a multiple
arch masonry structure, over which a controversy is
now in progress. The issue is, whether this bridge
shall be altered or demolished. In considering the
subject, it might be well to sketch briefly its history.
High Bridge was built as a part of the old Croton
Aqueduct system constructed between 1837 and 1843,
the new supply being first introduced on July 4, 1842.
hazardous for self-propelled vessels and very diffi-
cult for tows.
The aqueduct supported by this structure was in
use until a short time prior to this country's declar-
ing war with the Central Powers. Various reasons
have been given as the cause for its present disuse.
The statement that it is no longer of any value does
not hold in view of a statement made by Merritt
H. Smith, Chief Engineer of the Department of
Water Supply, who, at a recent meeting of the
HIGH BRIDGE AS IT APPEARS TODAY
The outlines of Washington Bridge are visible just behind High Bridge
The original plans appear to call for 15 circular
arches, 8 of which had a span of 80 feet and the re-
maining 7 of 50 feet, with a clear height of 100 feet
above mean high water. As the current is very swift
at certain elevations of the tides owing to the dif-
ference in the elevation of the waters of the Hud-
son and East Rivers, the threading of the arches is
American Society of Civil Engineers, at which
the subject of High Bridge was under discussion,
made the following statement :
"Let me tell you when it (the High Bridge Aque-
duct) was shut down, and why it was shut down. On
February 3, 1917 — do any of you remember it? — we
sent back the German Ambassador. We had four
45
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
ANOTHER VIEW OF HIGH BRIDGE SHOWING RAILROAD
TRACKAGE PARALLELING WATERWAY.
aqueducts bringing water into New York City, three
aqueducts and a pipe line. It was easier and safer
to patrol two aqueducts than it was four ; and if any
devil had tried to destroy any part of any one of
those aqueducts, the principal damage would have
been done by the rush of water, not by the bomb ;
and for that reason, and that reason only, on Febru-
ary 3, 1917, the old aqueduct was closed down by my
orders. The Kensico pipe line, which was also run-
ning at that time, brings Catskill water from the
Kensico Reservoir. On the following day. the 4th
of February, that was closed down, and for the same
reason. That meant that we had two lines that could
carry water to New York City and which would not
be seriously damaged by bombs placed in the cul-
verts, or at any other vulnerable points, because the
damage would not be done by the rush of water, but
would be done locally by the explosive."
According to Mr. Smith, in case the bridge was re-
moved, it would be necessary at the very least to con-
nect the old aqueduct on the Bronx and on the Man-
hattan sides of the river in order to crowd the water
that comes through the old aqueduct through the new
HIGH BRIDGE AS IT WOULD APPEAR IF ALTERED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE DESIGN OF THE DEPART-
MENT OF PLANT AND STRUCTURES.
aqueduct tunnel. To do that, in carrying 225,000,-
000 gallons of water from the new aqueduct, and
60,000,000 from the old aqueduct, there would be
a loss of between two and three feet of head at the
155th Street gatehouse, which it is stated would be
a very serious loss, considering the difficulty now in
delivering the old Croton service at sufficient eleva-
tion in a considerable part of the territory in which
that water is used. If the bridge were removed, it
was estimated by Mr. Smith that this new con-
nection; on account of the alterations necessary,
would cost about $800,000.
THE suggestion for the removal of certain ob-
structing river piers of High Bridge dates back
to 191 1 . The matter first came up in a letter to the
City of New York from the Corps of Engineers, U.
S. Army, in which attention was called to plans that
had been received from time to time by the Secretary
of War and by the United States Engineers' office
for the First District, concerning the obstruction to
navigation caused by the river piers of this bridge.
Some two years later, a number of property
A CLOSE UP SHOWING THE RIVER PIERS WHICH THE
WAR DEPARTMENT CLAIMS FORM AN UNREASONABLE
OBSTRUCTION TO NAVIGATION.
ACCORDING TO THIS SCHEME OF RECONSTRUCTION,
WHICH LITERALLY CARRIES OUT THE ORDER OF THE
WAR DEPARTMENT, STEEL GIRDERS WOULD SPAN THE
WIDENED OPENINGS. ECONOMICAL, BUT UGLY
46
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
ANOTHER SUGGESTED METHOD OF RECONSTRUCTING HIGH BRIDGE
owners and business men along the Harlem River
in the Borough of the Bronx, made complaint of the
obstruction along the Harlem River, and it
seemed necessary then to present a report to
the city authorities. Such a report was pre-
sented in 1915. While the bridge .crosses a nav-
igable stream, this report pointed out that it is an
aqueduct rather than a bridge. It incidentally car-
ries a footway. It is not a highway bridge in the
ordinary sense of the word. It is one of the most
notable structures in or about the City of New York,
and its removal or the serious mutilation of its ap-
pearance would be a public misfortune, and should
only be considered in case it was shown that it forms
a serious obstruction to navigation, which could not
be removed or mitigated except by taking out one or
more of the piers. The removal of the bridge was
not considered at that time.
Apparently the War Department did not press the
matter for some time and it was not until the early
part of 1920 that the matter was brought to a head
by the following notice being served on the New
York City authorities :
The Secretary of War having good reason to believe
that the bridge over the Harlem River, New York City,
known as "High Bridge," is an unreasonable obstruc-
tion to the free navigation of said river, on account of
insufficient clearance between piers, it is proposed to
require the following changes to be made in the bridge
within one year from the date of service of order by
the War Department, to wit: Two alternate piers to
be removed, and a vertical clearance of at least 100 feet
above mean low water to be provided in each of the
proposed widened spans.
This required action. Although but a short pe-
riod remains before the expiration of the time stated
in the order, no work of reconstruction has been
started. Public hearings have been held and various
suggestions have been made.
THE suggestion which advocated the entire re-
moval of the bridge has brought forth a storm
of protest. This suggestion was made by the Com-
missioner of Plant and Structures in a communica-
tion to the Board of Estimate and Apportionment.
Since this communication states the case for the re-
moval of High Bridge, the retention of which, with
suitable alterations, the American Institute of Con-
sulting Engineers, the New York Chapter of the
American Institute of Architects, the American So-
ciety of Civil Engineers and the American Institute
of Fine Arts have gone on record as favoring, it is
here published in full.
To the Honorable
The Board of Estimate and Apportionment
of the City of New York :
"In the matter of improving the navigation facili-
ties on the Harlem River, in the vicinity of High
Bridge, the various plans for treatment of High
Bridge submitted to the Board of Estimate and Ap-
portionment have been given full consideration, and
it appears to me that the proper action to be taken
by the Board of Estimate and Apportionment is the
removal of this bridge.
"This Department assumed this position at the
hearing of the New York Harbor Line Board on
March 30, 1920, when it was proposed by that Board
to remove two alternate piers. Following the sug-
gestion of the Harbor Line Board, plans were pre-
pared by this Department providing for the removal
of two alternate piers and the construction of two
spans of steel and concrete. An arch effect was to
A MODIFICATION OF THE DESIGN OF THE DEPART-
MENT OF PLANT AND STRUCTURES WHEREBY THE
HORIZONTAL LINES OF THE STEEL GIRDERS ARE
"CAMOUFLAGED" TO GIVE THE IMPRESSION OF A
MASONRY ARCH.
47
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
be obtained by the use of these materials. The aque-
duct line on the bridge was to be maintained, and the
cost of the work was estimated at $630,000.
"On June 11, 1920, the Board of Estimate and
Apportionment referred two communications in ref-
erence to High Bridge reconstruction to this Depart-
ment for report, as follows :
Communication dated June 2, 1920, from Mr.
Wm. J. Wilgus, submitting on behalf of a Com-
mittee of the American Institute of Consulting
Engineers and the New York Chapter of the
American Institute of Architects, arguments in
favor of retaining High Bridge, and that necessary
alterations be so made as not to mar the beauty of
the structure.
loading on this pier, have elements of uncertainty
that might entail failure.
"In the removal of two alternate piers no piles are
to be driven and the loads on the various piers are
decreased.
"There are no record drawings extant showing
how this pile foundation for Pier 12 was constructed,
and in my judgment in the reconstruction of this
pier we would have to rely a great deal on what we
would find after making excavation in a cofferdam.
"The camouflaging referred to by Mr. Wilgus in
connection with the removal of alternate piers should
receive little consideration as the term can be ap-
plied to many of the city's important structures where
steel and masonry are used in conjunction ; as for ex-
DES1GX SUGGESTED BY THE NEW YORK CHAPTER, A. I. A., AND THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE
OF CONSULTING ENGINEERS
This shows the best treatment of any of the schemes so far suggested.
Communication dated June 3, 1920, from
Charles Paff & Co., Architects and Engineers, sub-
mitting for consideration designs for the improve-
ment of the water spans at High Bridge.
"The plans submitted in these communications pro-
vide for the removal of two adjacent piers and the
building of one masonry arch. No estimate was
submitted by Charles Faff & Co. The estimate sub-
mitted by Mr. Wilgus called for the expenditure of
$830,000.
"The Engineers of this Department have examined
in detail the estimates as furnished by Mr. Wilgus
and find that the cost would be about 50 per cent, in
excess of his estimate of $830,000 or $1,250,000.
"The driving of additional piles at Pier 12 and
the attaching of new masonry to the present pier
masonry, which will mean additional and eccentric
ample, the Municipal Building is a steel structure
covered with granite and not a granite building.
"Your board has before it three propositions :
1. Removal of High Bridge— cost $500,000.
2. Removal of two alternate piers — $630,000.
3. Removal of two contiguous piers — $830,000.
(Wilgus), which the Department's Engineers be-
lieve will cost at least 50 per cent, more or $1,250,000.
"High Bridge, if reconstructed, will provide chan-
nels with vertical clearance of 101 feet at mean high
water.
"Washington Bridge to the north of this structure
has a clearance of 135 feet at mean high water.
"All the East River bridges have similar clear-
ances, while the Hell Gate Bridge has a clearance
of 140 feet at mean high water.
"Thus the clearance at High Bridge, if recon-
48
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
ACCORDING TO THE PLAN SUGGESTED BY THE ABOVE DRAWING FOUR PIERS WOULD
BE REMOVED AND THE RIVER SPANNED BY A SINGLE MASONRY ARCH
^•tructed, will always be the limiting height for ves-
sels navigating around Manhattan Island.
"No one can say that the Harlem River with the
improvements contemplated will not be used by ocean
going vessels. Note the class of vessels now op-
erating in Newtown Creek which is only 250 feet
wide — Harlem River 400 to 440 feet channel.
"The question of continuing High Bridge as an
aqueduct is one that might have some weight if the
city did not have the Catskill supply in addition to
the new Croton Aqueduct supply which is carried to
Manhattan by a tunnel under the Harlem River.
"The High Bridge conduit which connects the
old Croton aqueduct with Manhattan has not been
used in many years, and I would suggest that if this
old aqueduct is to be used in the future, it should be
for the purpose of increasing the water supply in the
Borough of the Bronx, which to-day has a larger
population than the old City of New York had when
the old Croton aqueduct was opened.
"The old City of New York in 1850 had a popula-
tion of 515,547 and the population of the Bortfiigh
of the Bronx in 1920—730,016.
"If it be decided to remove the bridge entirely the
stone can be stored along the Harlem River Speed-
way until required for use in the building of the hulk-
head wall along the Harlem River at and near the
location of High Bridge. The Bulkhead walls of the
Speedway will require reconstruction in the near fu-
ture.
"The contemplated improvement of the Harlem
River is a matter that affects the whole City of New
York. This improvement would mean the bulkhead-
ing and the dredging of the River to provide facility
not only for the present traffic but for the future
that will ensue after these improvements will have
been made.
"It wjll mean much in the cost of handling food
products, supplies and materials.
"The proposed work of straightening the Harlem
Ship Canal at Spuyten Duyvil and the dredging at
the Harlem Kills connecting the River direct with
Long Island Sound, as a matter of business policy,
should mean the removal of this Bridge. The En-
gineers of this Department have fully considered this
entire question and I believe that the only proper ac-
tion to be taken by your Honorable Board is the
entire removal of this bridge."
Yours very truly,
(Signed) GROVER R. WHALEN,
Commissioner.
THE future of the Harlem River is a matter of
pure speculation. It is entirely within the realms
of possibility that ocean going vessels may some
day ply its waters. Still one can hardly view the
present High Bridge and contemplate its removal
without a tinge of regret. Surely this is an age of
Commercialism if such things must be. A far more
satisfactory solution, to the minds of all lovers of art,
would be the reconstruction of the bridge according to
the design already referred to. This, however, does
not comply with the order of the War Department in
that it would cause the removal of two adjacent and
not two alternate piers. To obtain such approval, the
design would have to be submitted to the War De-
partment by the City of New York. The entire sub-
ject will be discussed by the Board of Estimate and
Apportionment at its meeting on January 21, 1921.
From the standpoint of historic interest, sentiment
and the preservation of structures of artistic merit as
well as for utilitarian reasons, the bridge should be
retained, with only such alterations as will remove
its objectional features without marring its beauty.
As a further argument in favor of its retention with
suitable alterations, it is pointed out that it is the only
bridge across the Harlem River between Washington
Bridge (181st St.) on the north and Central Bridge
(155th St.) at the south. In reconstructing the bridge
it could be altered to function as a highway bridge
by being provided with an effective roadway approxi-
mately 20 ft. wide with a sidewalk on either side sup-
ported by brackets, and an effective connection made
with the street system on the Manhattan side.
49
A New Idea in Lighting Fixtures
The Portable Feature Has Many Advantages
THE general public, as well as the electrical
contractor, has been interested in a new de-
sign of electric outlet for use in homes, of-
fices, public buildings and everywhere that electric
wiring and electric lighting are used. The purpose
of these outlets is to give every house or building a
system of wiring that will be flexible enough to meet
all conditions without the necessity of alterations or
additions to the circuits already installed.
The design and construction of the new outlet are
shown clearly in the accompanying illustrations.
They are intended to be located in different places
in the walls and ceilings so that wall lights and ceil-
ing lights may be attached to them directly without
the use of an extension cord. In fact, any electrical
appliance may be readily attached to these outlets.
Each room has more outlets than are necessary at
any one time. When not in use they are covered by
paintings or they are painted in keeping with the wail
decorations, so that they are invisible. The plugs for
the ceiling outlets are designed strong enough to
carry the heaviest chandeliers made.
The provision for many more outlets in each room
than are necessary at one time permits the lighting
to be arranged to suit the individual taste of the oc-
cupant. It permits a ceiling light here, a desk light
there and a wall light in the alcove. When the furni-
ture is rearranged, the lights may be located to suit.
It is often desirable that the lighting fixtures in a
room be in keeping with the style of furniture. When
moving into another house this is not easily possible
if the lighting is fixed, but it is easily accomplished
with the new outlets and changeable lighting fix-
tures. The lighting then becomes a part of the room.
The style of fixture is selected to harmonize with the
furniture.
In offices these outlets are also valuable. When it
is necessary to move to new space or for any reason
to alter the partitions in the present space, these out-
lets lend themselves readily to the new arrangement.
CEILING PLUG
The ceiling plug is
designed to support
the heaviest chande-
lier, and its rigidity
increases in propor-
tion to the weight
that it supports.
Partitions may be run without thought of the wiring
on the floor, because there will always be an outlet
where it is needed.
The expense and inconvenience of making altera-
tions in electrical wiring has often prevented changes
in the lighting of buildings, rearrangement of furni-
ture and rearrangement of office partitions, even
though such changes would be desirable and eco-
nomical. The new outlet system of lighting elimi-
nates the expense, the dirt and the inconvenience.
The Electric Outlet Company, New York City, is
making these new outlets. This company foresees
the day of standardization of electrical fixtures.
MOUNTING THE
FIXTURE
The method of placing a
portable fixture in a wall
outlet is shown here. The
operation is simple and is
accomplished in the same
way that a plug is inserted
in a socket. Such outlets
as these are located in
convenient places in the
room. The lighting scheme
then becomes entirely
flexible and may be readily
suited to the style or
arrangement of the
furniture.
50
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
(Continued from page 41)
ity now largely composed of many different elements
as to taste in art, in social ways and daily habits of
living, so unanimously agree on establishing a prece-
dent that one wonders has not heretofore been at-
tempted.
The structure wanted had to be at least 40 by 80
feet to provide for its known requirements and to
give room for normal expansion. A small fund of
approximately $25,000 was available, and the prob-
lem has been to provide an attractive, well construct-
ed edifice that would meet requirements and which
could be built within the money at hand. This the
architects have accomplished in the most successful
manner.
The feature of the plan is placing on either side of
the main structure of extensions approximating
twelve feet in width. This provides the additional
space for the necessary seating and does not detract
from the symmetry of the plan, which follows the
best precedent of the Georgian.
Further, this arrangement of side extensions in-
sures better interior lighting and also better circula-
tion of air and natural ventilation. By introducing
the side wings and confining the present main struc-
ture to a comparatively narrow plan (it is but 20
feet in width) the costly construction of a 40-foot
span has been avoided, and a much more practical
and better architectural result obtained.
The choir loft has been placed at the front of the
church over the entrance. The organ will be of an
early type, low in cost, but adding to the feeling that
the architects have so successfully attained, of an
early American church interior.
The low tower on this church with its balustrade
and cupola further carries out the feeling of a fish-
ing village church. It was in these cupola that was
hung the bell that served many purposes besides that
for which it was consecrated. Its notes announced
the arrival of some long overdue fishing fleet, it
called to council on occasions of public interest, and
often when the church was used as a schoolhouse.
hastened the lagging steps of school children.
Around this cupola is a narrow platform, which in
earlier New England churches and in many preten-
tious houses, was built as a "Captain's walk." It
was on these balconies that retired sea captains took
exercise and scanned the horizon for a glimpse of
some expected sail.
St. Clare's at Great Kills is an innovation in the
architecture of Roman Catholic Churches that every
patriotic man will commend. We believe it is the
forerunner of many such, or, at least we hope so.
Criticism and Comment
The Editors, THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT:
Your editorial in the Dec. 15 number has greatly
interested me, as I believe the subject is one of vital
importance in the development or even maintenance
of architecture as a profession.
Architects are much inclined to consider architec-
ture purely as a Fine Art, as something apart from
the scientific features, or from the engineering in-
volved in various forms. In this I believe the pro-
fession is making a serious error. The public taking
the cue from the architect is naturally inclined to
turn to the engineer or even to the contractor for
advice which should come from the architect. Con-
tinued to its natural conclusion this leaves the archi-
tect in a position of being merely a planner who ap-
plies to his plan the purely artistic principles of form
and detail on paper, and without assuming any re-
sponsibility whatever, and with little claim to knowl-
edge of the scientific or engineering features in-
volved in detail, undertakes to supervise the execu-
tion of the building, only so far as its artistic features
are involved. Is this what the profession of archi-
tecture is leading to? Some, including many engi-
neers, seem to think that this point has already been
reached.
As stated in your excellent editorial, "engineering
is (or should be) an essential element of architec-
ture." The various forms of engineering, scientific
in their nature, should be considered as highly spe-
cialized branches of architecture, .not as something
apart from it.
Architecture should be considered as the combined
Art and Science of Building, and the practice of
architecture conducted accordingly, co-operatively
with engineering. The architect then might become
the true Master Builder. The tendency of the
schools, however, is to set up two distinct profes-
sions, one of which is Architecture or the Fine Art
of Building, the other being Engineering, which so
far as it applies to building refers to the Science of
Building. The public it is hoped will continue to ad-
mire the Art, but it will undoubtedly pin its faith
to the Science every time, and therein lies the danger.
VICTOR ANDRE MATTESON, Architect.
Chicago, 111.
51
Current News
Happenings and Comments in the Field of Architecture
and the Allied Arts
From the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress of desirous of securing
copies of THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT of November
3, 1920, to complete its files, and would appreciate
the courtesy of the gift of this copy to the library.
Our supply of this issue has been exhausted. We
therefore suggest that if any of our subscribers can
spare a copy of November 3 they communicate with
Yale O. Millington, Periodical Division, Library of
Congress, Washington, stating their willingness to
extend this courtesy.
Johns Hopkins Plans $11,500,000
Buildings
Plans involving an expenditure of $11,500,000
have been formulated by the Johns Hopkins Hospi-
tal, Baltimore. They include rebuilding all the prin-
cipal buildings of the hospital group and providing
improvements required because of the growing de-
mand on the institution.
The principal new structure is to be a dispensary
420 by 100 feet and seven stories high. There will
be a pathological building costing $600,000. Other
portions of the plans follow. Two million dollars
for general improvements, $400,000 for women's
clinic, $1,714,000 for out-patient or dispensary build-
ing, $1,000,000 for dispensary, $100,000 to $500,000
for extension of heating and power plant, $500,000
for additions to nurses' home and $250,000 for school
of nursing.
from the Bureau of Public Lectures, Board of Edu-
cation, 157 East 67th street, New York City.
Course more particularly for the professional pub-
lic will start on January 11 at the West Side Young
Men's Christian Association. The speakers are
representative men of wide repute in their field. The
series includes fifteen lectures.
Y.M.C.A. Real Estate Lecture Course
In view of the general interest in real estate buy-
ing, selling,' renting, legislation and building, the
Educational Department of the West Side Branch
Young Men's Christian Association and the Board of
Education of New York City have planned a most
timely co-operative series of real estate lectures of
mound educational value.
The lectures given under the auspices of the oBard
of Education are for the buying and general public,
are offered free, and are given at certain public high
school auditoriums and at other places in Manhattan,
the Bronx, and in Brooklyn and Queens boroughs.
A schedule of the Board of Education real estate
lectures covering the topic thoroughly has been an-
nounced and further information may be obtained
Great Roosevelt Memorial Proposed
Decision that the Theodore Roosevelt memorial to
be constructed in Washington would be "in no way a
utilitarian structure," but a monument "comparing in
grandeur and impressiveness" with the memorials to
Washington and Lincoln, was reached at a meeting
here yesterday of the committee of the Theodore
Roosevelt Memorial Association, headed by Elihu
Root.
The committee announced that it had considered
several sites for the memorial, which will require a
tract of land of about sixty acres, but would reach
no decision on a site until it had made a further
study of possible locations. It is hoped, the announce-
ment said, that a design for the memorial which
would "meet the approval of the whole American
people" can be completed within three months."
Architectural Exhibit for Ghent,
Belgium
The Provinces of East and West Flanders, com-
prising the Ghent consular district, were among the
greatest sufferers from war devastation. All indus-
tries were more or less ruined, and the year 1919
was spent in reconstructing buildings, putting in new
machinery, obtaining raw materials, etc., in order to
renew factory operation. At the present time, most
of the linen and jute mills have been rebuilt and
some of the cotton mills.
To collect useful and artistic information which
will aid in rebuilding this devastated area, an Ex-
position of Architecture, Building and Similar Indus-
tries will be held at Ghent in April and June, 1921,
at the Palais des Fetes, under the auspices of the
National Government, the Province, and the city.
Full information may be obtained from the "Ex-
position Internationale d'Architecture, du Batiment
et des Industries Connexes" 15 Coupure. Ghent. Bel-
gium.
52
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Chicago News Notes
Decrease in building activity during 1920 has cut
the tax assessment value of Chicago and Cook coun-
ty real estate by at least $1,000,000. This is the esti-
mate of Stephen Griffin, chief clerk of the Board of
Tax Review.
Superintendent Mortenson of the Chicago Public
Schools has asked the Board of Education for ap-
propriations aggregating $30,000,000 to be spent for
thirty new public school buildings in Chicago. The
request is being considered in committee.
The Illinois Society of Architects has recently
admitted several news members. Among them are
J. Bernard Barthel, Allen L. Barnes, Murray D.
Hetherington, Richard Griesser, Carl Harber,
Arthur Jacobs, Edward A. Klamt, William H.
Lautz. Charles O. Liska, James R. Morrison, Francis
W. Puckey, Issac S. Stern, William Stuhr, Carl
M. Teutsch, Theodore C. Visscher, Dwight G. Wal-
lace, Maurice Roy Wallace, Leo H. Wiesfeld.
Wealthy residents of Evanston, Chicago's largest
northshore suburb, are objecting strenously to the
zoning plan of that town, which will permit the in-
troduction of business houses, such as stores, in cer-
tain exclusive residential sections.
The upper Michigan avenue property owners
are planning to try the New York gold medal plan
for keeping up appearances in the new district. A
gold medal will be awarded to the property owner
in the north central district — as the district is offi-
cially termed — during the year.
Greater New York Miscellanies
Travelers to Manhattan
According to statistics compiled by the general pas-
senger agent of the Long Island Rairload, 295,814,-
532 persons were handled by the railroads, ferries
and tubes which connect Manhattan with the trunk
line railroads with terminals in New Jersey during
the current calendar year. He estimated the in-and-
out movement of people during 1919 at 250,000,000.
The Size of Queens
Queens is about the same size as Manhattan and
Brooklyn together, but has only about one-ninth of
their total population, according to the last census.
Long Island Land
There are 1,000,000 acres of land on Long Island,
populated by 2,721,000 people. The Borough of
Brooklyn has 49,680 acres. The total extent of the
land on the island that can be devoted to industrial,
residential and gardening purposes is 881,000 acres,
all of which is within easy access of New York City.
First Stage to Boston
In 1700 New York was first connected with Bos-
ton by a regular stage, which took forty-one hours
to make the distance. An air line now covers the
distance in about three.
Will Consider Housing Problems
Most of the sessions of the Chamber of Commerce
of the United States at Washington, January 27
and 28, will be devoted to housing problems. The
three main topics will be : The social and civic effects
of housing shortage ; effects of building stagnation
on business conditions, and the housing of employes
by industrial concerns. John Ihlder, formerly field
secretary of the National Housing Association, is
head of the newly created Civic Development Depart-
ment of the Chamber of Commerce of the United
States, the headquarters of which are at Washington.
Gotham National Bank — A Large
Transaction
Eight floors in the new Gotham National Bank
Building, now nearing completion, at Broadway
and Fifty-ninth street, New York, have been leased
by a graphophone company for a term of years at
an aggregate rental of over $1,000,000. This, it is
believed, is one of the largest transactions of its
kind closed north of Thirty-fourth street, and in-
volving a record rental for the Columbus Circle
zone.
The lease serves to accentuate the uptown trend
of business and the desirability of a business loca-
tion accessible from all points of the Greater City.
Many downtown firms have recognized the im-
portance of Columbus Circle as a new centre of
business. To date leases have been signed with a
number of firms whose former location was below
Canal street. If the demand for space continues at
its present rapid rate, this building, which is the
highest of all business structures north of Forty-
second street, will be entirely rented at the time of
its completion, February 1, 1921.
53
Weekly Review of the Construction Field
With Reports of Special Correspondents in Regional Centers
IT is extremely gratifying to know that this jour-
nal's optimistic attitude regarding business condi-
tions during 1921 is shared by a very important
group of bankers and industrial leaders of the
country.
Judge Elbert H. Gary, chairman of the board,
United States Steel Corporation, looks forward to
a promising year.
"If I read aright the signs of the times," he says,
"we may look forward with confidence to marked im-
provement in business results, perhaps not so soon
or so rapid as we could wish, but as certain and as
satisfactory as the disposition and the action of the
majority of the people themselves will permit.
"With its great and increasing wealth, its natural
resources, its productive capacity, its location, and
with a well-defined and settled policy to foster and
encourage its industries, who can measure the future
natural growth and strength of the United States?
We have the opportunity to remain the leading
nation of the world, financially, commercially and in-
dustrially."
Daniel Guggenheim, of Guggenheim Brothers, be-
lieves that optimism will replace pessimism in this
country.
"There will soon be the beginning of a new era
of prosperity for the people of the United States,"
he points out. "Such depressions as we are now
going through rarely last long in this country. The
tremendous deflation now taking place is going to
bring into our country great prosperity. There is
no need for a long-continued business depression in
the United States if the leaders of industrial enter-
prises will rid themselves of unfounded fear of the
future."
This opinion is shared by Bernard M. Baruch,
formerly chairman of the War Industries Board
Mr. Baruch emphasizes the fact that "we have a
vast opportunity in making up for the work that has
been long left undone, as well as in the performance
of the current profitable tasks that await us. These
tremendous works will require labor, capital, brains
and materials in ever-increasing volume. We have
scarcely scratched the resources of our own country
as yet, and there are limitless fields in foreign lands
for our enterprise and our capital. The world is
ours in a wealth-making sense."
To preserve this prosperity of which Mr. Baruch
speaks, there is chiefly needed "just common sense
constructive co-operation between Congress and
the progressive business interests of the country "
according to Francis H. Sisson, vice-president of the
Guaranty Trust Company of New York. "Basic-
ally," he emphasizes, "economic conditions in the
United States are absolutely sound."
Their soundness is vouched for in the fact that
the year just passed was the "record year of Ameri-
can railroad operation," according to the review of
the railroad situation for 1920 by Thomas de Witt
Cuyler, chairman, Association of Railway Execu-
tives.
As to the future, Mr. Cuyler has this to say :
"In my judgment the American railroad companies
during the present year have fully justified, and
during the coming year will make every effort to
continue to justify, the support and confidence which
public opinion . . . has already accorded them."
Samuel P. Colt, chairman, U. S. Rubber Company,
who comes constantly in contact with the many con-
ditions affecting the export trade, has this to say
about it :
"I am optimistic as to the future of our foreign
trade and the ultimate restoration of new levels in
exchange, which, while far from normal, will be
reasonably steady and permit the interchange of
goods with foreign countries."
Current wholesale prices for the New York mar-
ket, for the week ending January 9, follow :
LUMBER : Yellow Pine—E & Btr F G Floor-
ing, 2y2" face, $59.50; Long Leaf Dimension,
SISIE, Nb. 1 Com., 2x4", $37 ; Merchantable Long
Leaf Timbers, 12x12, 10 to 20 ft., $61.
North Carolina Pine — Roofers, 12/16x6" (Air
Dried), $28.50; No. 2 and Better Flooring, 2y2"
Face, $61.50; Tonawanda White Pine, Fine Com-
mon, 4/4x8 and up, $106.
Douglas Fir— No. 1 Clear Flooring, 1x4 (VG),
$71.50; Dimension, SISIE, 2x42, 16', $42.25.
W. Va. Spruce— 2x4", 16', $54.50; Adirondack
Spruce, 2x4", 16', $42.25.
Penn Hemlock — Base Price, $50.
Cypress, Factory Selects, 4/4, $105 ; Spruce Lath,
$8.
Current retail prices (except brick) are as
follows :
BASIC: Brick— Hudson Common, $16-18; Fire
Brick, Standard No. 1, per M, $85; "Haverstraw"
Hollow, $25.
Cement— Domestic Portl. bbl., N. Y. yd., $4.80
Gravel— Delivered to job site, $4.25 per cti. yd.
Grit— Delivered to job site, Cow Bay, $3.50 per
cu. yd.
Iron and Steel—Wire Rods, No. 5, Common Basic
54
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
or Bessemer Rods to domestic consumer, $57 ; Chain
Rods, $57.
Structural Steel — From N. Y. stocks, small lot
quantities, cents per Ib. Bars — Refined iron, base
price, 4.70c. per Ib. ; Swedish bars, base price, 20c.
per Ib. ; Soft steel bars, base price, 3.48c. to 3.70c.
Beams and Channels, Angles and Tees — 3"xJ4"
and larger, base 3.58c. to 3.80c. per Ib. ; under
3"x%", base 3.48c. to 3.70c.
Lime — Delivered job site, standard 300-lb. bbl.,
per bbl, $5.20. Common Lime, standard 300-lb. bbl.,
per bbl., $5.20. Hydrate Fin. Lime, per ton (cloth,
paper bags), $31 and $29. Common Hydrate Lime,
per ton( cloth, paper bags), $25 and $23.
Sand — Per cu. yd., delivered job site, $2.75.
Stone — Broken, cu. yd., delivered job site, $4.00.
Stone, Building — Indiana Limestone, $1.81 to
$1.85; Ohio Sandstone, $1.75 to $2.35; Kentucky
Limestone, $2.07 to $2.07; Marble (Tenn.), $5 to
$5 ; Granite, $2 to $3.50.
(Special Correspondence to THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT)
SEATTLE, January 10. — With the stock taking
period over and adjustments made for income taxes,
Pacific coast business men are asking each other
the question daily, "When?" and how the construc-
tion revival so long deferred is to be brought about.
Architects in many instances have their hands full
of new projects while awaiting the word from inves-
tors as to the time they believe the prices have hit
bottom, in order that this section can go on a normal
basis. It is apparent that in the steel industry lies
the answer.
That reconstruction must be begun after prices
have fallen lower is generally believed by jobbers in
the most advantageous position to judge. Liquida-
tion of stocks in the hands of manufacturers, jobbers
and retailers is one plan. Another is to attain a
price level that will hold long enough to restore con-
fidence in the new prices.
In the event that manufacturers, jobbers and re-
tailers did this thing and converted stocks into cash
and strong accounts, there would follow a resump-
tion of buying on the part of all, and the banks
would have sufficient cash to loan at low interest
rates. A proper level of prices, however, must be
struck before there can be any change. Buyers
must know that tomorrow's list will not show that
they have lost.
Large operators, regarding these questions as
vital, are studying on plans for solution. That
there is a surplus of all merchandise and a shortage
of credit and that to get rid of both, stocks must
be converted into cash and loans liquidated is the
feeling. When this is accomplished business will
expand in volume and interest rates made low, these
operators assert, and an immediate start now when
production is low would bring about the change
with the least injury to all.
In the liquidation process prices must naturally
seek a lower level, because lower prices are necessary
to stimulate consumption and buying. Large opera-
tors have it in mind that the level has been reached
when there is evidence of renewed buying. What
this level will be is only conjectural, proven by the
lack of uniform opinion as to the future values and
low points on commodities. Jobbers and manufac-
turers who believe that future values will look right
and clear are increasing in number. Stability of
prices will precede an upward tendency.
Jobbers in steel intimate that the necessity of re-
placement value cost must be the basis of readjust-
ment of prices. This readjustment, to be far sweep-
ing and conclusive, jobbers point out, must begin at
the mills and continue on down the course until it
reaches the consumer. Many interested jobbers and
manufacturers are strong in the conviction that this
level will be considerable above pre-war prices if
legitimate profits are to be maintained.
Large operators who have outlined the cource of
economic events as stated declare that after the
period of readjustment no stronger exponents of
optimism and faith in the country's business welfare
can be found than among those who are endeavoring
to direct and aright the route of American commerce
now rocking on a practically uncharted sea.
There is an ample supply of nails, pipe and sheets
for all immediate demands. Jobbers are not operat-
ing with any idea of accumulating stocks on a fu-
ture demand, but are preparing to take care of what
may arise with the early spring prospects. Prices
are stationary.
The fir lumber market is steady. Production by
119 associated mills, which represent the bulk of the
cut in the West coast lumber territory, was 54 per
cent, of normal, due to the year-end closing down,
interruption of which is indefinite. Wages in the
mills and camps have been cut 25 per cent., and the
men have uttered little protest. The mills hold un-
filled orders for 2,485 carloads.
Pacific coast architects, particularly those in this
territory, state that they have many big jobs in pros-
pect, with orders to refrain from proceeding farther
until investors are satisfied that prices have settled
to a substantial bottom.
(.Special Correspondence to THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT)
CHICAGO, January 10. — The new year opens
here with every indication pointing to an early re-
sumption of building activity. Only favorable
weather now seems necessary to bring the industry to
life after several moribund months.
Lumber and materials are gradually settling in
55
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
pn,t- so that .he cost of construction is consider-
ably Lower than during the spring and summer of 1
vear and labor IS showing a much more docile atti-
tade, both as to its willingness of endeavor and its
Standpoint on wages. A very significant recent
movement was the voluntary offer of some 9 OC
em, .loves of the Pullman Company, many of
in the' woodworking trades, to accept a wage reduc-
tion of 20 per cent. This offer was made without
suggestion or coercion from the Pullman Company,
the step being taken by the shops committee as a
concession to the spirit of readjustment of industry.
The movement has, of course, no direct bearing
on the building trade except that it emphasizes the
growing improvement in the labor situation, which in
the past has been one of the most stupendous stum-
bling blocks in the path of construction in the Chi-
cago district.
For the holiday period a somewhat general dull-
ness prevailed in the building industry, as was to be
expected, but the improved mercantile situation
brought about by Christmas and pre-inventory buy-
ing left the general public in a better frame of mind
and the new year opened in Chicago with very en-
couraging expressions of optimism from the leading
men of finance and industry.
So far as Chicago architects can foresee there is
nothing now remaining in the list of objections to
new building activity. A great deal of work is now
on the boards and much more in contemplation. . The
line of prospective activity covers virtually all lines
of construction. There are many important office
buildings to be erected. Hotel construction will also
figure prominently, while the increase in the build-
ing of apartments will be unusually great, accord-
ing to the best predictions. Home building will go
forward as never before, owing to the fact that the
flat dwellers having felt the lash of the unfeeling
apartment landlord are now prepared to venture on
homes of their own. The heavy present call for
suburban realty indicates that many of these homes
will be pretentious and engaging, therefore, the
services of many architects.
Industrial building is at present dull and may not
show the important revival expected in other lines,
but there is a sufficient indication of industrial build-
ing need to firm up the prospects in that department,
also.
It is interesting to observe the different attitude
which the public is taking toward building as com-
pared with its viewpoint on business in general. The
man in the street, as well as the business man and
the capitalist assumes, as a matter of course, that
building will open as soon as the weather permits.
Other lines of business are viewed much less cer-
tainly in regard to normal resumption. This matter
of fact attitude is one of the very encouraging
aspects of the building prospect.
" All hands in the industry are fostering this sense of
assurance One of the important contributions tc
this optimistic propaganda is a pamphlet on the build-
ing situation recently issued by the Universal Port-
land Cement Company. "A period of depression i,
largely a state of mind" says the pamphlets. ' We
had one after the armistice. We are experiencing
one now." As a panacea for this condition, the
pamphlet urges construction, because all factors in
the building situation are now favorably disposed to-
ward construction work.
Interest in the "Own Your Home" Exposition to
be staged at the Coliseum, March 26 to April 2. Ar-
chitects in Chicago are particularly interested in con-
tributing to the success of the exposition and under
the leadership of Henry K. Holsman of the Illinois
Society of Architects, the local members of the pro-
fession are doing all that they can to further the
Exposition plans. Letters have been sent out to
6,000 architects submitting to them a prize offer for
the best architectural solution of the small house
problem.
Real estate dealers are of the opinion that the 1
position will do a great deal to stimulate home build-
ing throughout Chicago and there has been no lack
of co-operation from the realty interests. As a mat-
ter of fact, all lines of business interested in home
building have assured the committee of complete
co-operation and all of the display space has long ago
been contracted for by those anxious to exhibit ma-
, terials and the like.
Charles Bostrom, Chicago's, building commis-
sioner, in reviewing the building situation over the
last year is not as optimistic, however, as some others.
"There is not much hope of a very great renewal of
building activities in sight at present" says Mr. Bos-
trom, "but it is hoped that by spring conditions will
have so adjusted themselves that a marked improve-
ment in building operations will be shown."
Mr. Bostrom notes that the building trade con-
tinued rather briskly up to May 1 of 1920 and that
from that date up to the present activities have de-
clined. During the first eleven months of 1919.
building permits in Chicago totalled 6296, while for
the same period in 1920 the total was only 3574.
The cost of the building contemplated in the 1919
permits up to December 1 was $95,224,100, as com-
pared with $73,794,650 for the corresponding pe-
riod in 1920. December permits are late in being
announced, but the final month in the year will show
a loss as compared with December of 1919.
Business continues to be dull in lumber and other
building materials in this market. Holiday apathy
has been felt in all lines and this superimposed upon
an already dull market has left the demand very list-
56
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
less. All factors in the lumber and building mate-
rials trades, however, are expecting an early begin-
ning of business for the new year.
They also feel that bottom price has been struck
for the present both in lumber and in the minor ma-
terials.
Prices hold at the levels of previous weeks in prac-
tical all items on the lumber and materials list as will
be seen by comparing the following prices with
those of earlier weeks :
Yellow Pine: B. & B. 1 inch, $95 to $130, depend-
ing on thickness ; 2 x 4, No. 1, 10 to 16 ft. length, $51
to $53 ; 2 x 6, $48 ; 2 x 8, $50 ; 2 x 10, $53 ; 2 x 12,
$55 ; 13-16 x 3% z & b flat flooring, $85 to $90; 1 x
6, No. 2 common, $48 to $90.
Douglas Fir: 2 4 S, in sizes up to 12 x 12, in
length up to 32 feet, $65 to $70 ; 14 x 14, $68 to $73 ;
16 x 16, $72 to $75 ; 18 x 18, $75 to $80.
Hard Maple: Four, y4 No. 1 and 2, $135; select,
$120; No. 1 common, $100; No. 2 common, $65;
No. 3 common, $32.
Birch: Four % No. 1 and 2, $160; select, $133 to
$138; No. 1 common, $95 to $100; No. 2, common,
$6 Oto $65 ; No. 3 common, $40.
Red Gum : Four % No. 1 and 2, $150 ; No. 1 com-
mon, $90 to $92 ; No. 2 common, $47.
Face brick —
Standard, vitrified red $32.00@34.00
Smooth, Indiana red 38.00@40.00
Smooth, Ohio red 38.00@40.00
Smooth, Pennsylvania red 46.00@48.00
Smooth, buff 45.00@47.00
Smooth, grey 47.00@49.00
Rough, buff 44.00@46.00
Rough, grey 47.00@49.00
Variegated, rough texture 34.00@49.00
PerM.
Common brick $16.00
PerBbl.
Portland cement $3.00
Per Yard
Torpedo — Lake and bank sand $3.50
Crushed stone, gravel screeings 3.50
Per Ton
Hydrated lime, Ohio, paper $22.00
Hydrated lime, Ohio, cloth 29.00
Includes sacks at 30c each.
Hydrated lime, Wis., paper 20.00
Bulk lime. . 1.75
(Special Correspondence to THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT)
BOSTON, January 10.— The files of the Boston
Real Estate Exchange shows that, during the week
ending December 19, 1920, there were 391 transfers
210 mortgages aggreating $1,712,045, as compared
to 372 transfers, 199 mortgages aggregating $1,698,-
161 for the same week, 1919, and 276 transfers, 149
mortgages ($838,666) for the like week, 1918.
As more manufacturers have announced wage re-
ductions commencing January 1, far-sighted business
leaders see in the rapidity of labor liquidation the
promise of productions which will enable manufac-
turers to turn out goods at prices which will again
appeal to the public. Taken from this angle, this past
week may be said to have seen a quickening toward
the day of better business, but as to actual signs
of immediate improvement, they are few.
In some of the primary markets there has been
evidence that prices were down to such levels as
to attract buyers. In leather, for instance, one of
the first commodities to collapse in the period of
deflation, some very substantial transactions have re-
cently been reported. In wool it is the same story.
The greatest customers of the nation's industries,
the farmers, are at present rather stunned by the
rapidity of the decline in their products. They are
unwilling to exchange their products, selling on a
pre-war basis, for the products of industry which are
still far above that basis. With industrial costs
down and prices down so that the products of the
city may be exchanged for those of the farm on a
just basis, one may expect to see greater activity in
trade.
Next to the fanners the largest industry in coun-
try, the transportation business, is still out of the
market for goods. It has always happened that,
whenever the railroads started to buy on a large scale,
all other lines of business began immediately to
quicken and general prosperity followed.
The future of the business situation seems to be
closely bound up with getting the farmers, transpor-
tation and the export trade back into the commodity
markets.
57
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
E c
k- O
•
u
7. .
i °
fl
^ L
•— i 8
4
c
fl
o 5
.2
'_ "
j-
I-2
u
3
^ -
2 —
•„ '
1
— If
MJ
C u
0 Jj'
M
'o
consti
sl
V
sa
5
V
•^ B
go
1
b
o
i, t-
~ -
J2 o
u
b
K
2"
t§
?.§ £•§
C O
..3
0 3
O.P.
•o
c
rt
a
V
£
as a
OJ C O
E c~
Si K5
•""""a
ja «
C *
8 MO
£§"
43 b .
rt •— «
B-f
o'5 6
u
u
•*£"
•si5
•*- N
M N
tn
"Si
•g S c
•^.e «
!•
0
O
|o'S»
^1
« .
S-- 3
s -w
ii
2*1 8 °
JO-^
0 >
§ o »
ii
J*
E
p'gSl
JJ.D en cv
H
i-ol?
Sss
T>
. _, >r as jas; R
°r§ *§
£3 t;s
(n
tuOo\
^
la |a |s Ja «s |a a
« $ s s 3 s &
P TH
<
52
S N gj 5 S $ ;;
06 ON
S
1/1 ^
B .
O
*_>
tfl
Q
. tM v in
:J!
!«!
c
o
i^
.S u
« " V
concrete. 89,040 3
i
« ^ K cK
« § g IS
5 s S u ig is
§ "S i 'S ^s^S
ii i*i-g
U*
u
t-l
g
u'
u
h
<u
I
i
c
o
o
T3
V
It
t^r
13T3 fe
<u C
u rt c
^0 cn.2
)0
gt
o *-.
U
so
Ml
•
M
tn C^ tn .H £ • ^ • 2 5 I*
rt 'J u u y * -JM-" ^
J
C
O
U
O
t/5
.ss
tlj CJ
tf
'C.S*d
Pi
irs
a?
.^^ -^-
2|
3^
ffl|
«*-( S
•t.
heat, electric
is plumbing;
trie elevator.
lectric lights;
fixtures; no
.•5
(0 rt
II
u.y
"i « S oE «§.S» «-o -eg -2 g »x
|e 2.3 ""^ ".-"*.| 28 t| "S§ ^°
fl S>i£- "!d|l!l 3I ^^ Jfl -a
"•S £,£" Si^S M™U^ i .. S"m'^rt« $5,3
'acuum; direct
metal grilles;
g; modern
heat, electric
plumbing.
:levators; elec-
lern plumbing.
•— t-i
u
M
X «
a°
.0 g
ectric lights;
g; no elevator.
• - (- •
f2,£ c
M
043 U
'C to
"o ;**a
^ ^o
0) c 4J
'abulation o
(See Ed:
Equipmc
Vacuum steam
lights; first-clas
push-button elec
Hot-water heat, e
enameled iron
elevator.
Steam heat, electri
plumbing; electri
""•5,^ "^ c " s c 11 "^ « «"5 « S-S'S ^i5 ^'"
J7 o s^ " " " o .-tlti i x c o ^-c s o >: sS
•^-nc* 3 E«T3 g',.^'3-3 fC E «"5 a"^ « g »
W(/2 (^MH t/3 ^Kffi
"°.S
|l|
rt^U^
*.8-S
11 §1
111-I
MH
Vacuum steam
lights; modern
o
o'B
Steam heat, el
automatic sprii
tor; plumbing.
Steam heat, electi
plumbing; 2 ele
Steam heat, el
modern plumbin
Vacuum steam, i
modern plumbi
each room; 1 el
H
a"
o
i! s
.2 o
i-'i
m
8 §":Sg «^ | g|*-g | |§jy §
,1-"VM
v u
STirf
V
V
u
jT
CJ
3
rt
CJ
S
*rt"o
n
o
u
.ill
3 ".2
exte
nstruc
OT S u
C a (J
1-pB
S w 8 § *^rta. ***J§-'*i
^•£"0 o "^-9 o o'^n
= . -'is °g--2s- -«8 5 S5«s
»J=^
«lf
gss
u
C
o
u
.«fi
i a
•a"
SS
tories
monoli
U
.£$
r^ o
™
rt
S -
i«g
S «2
• b «
0 o "
u c „
i:1
a '^ i-
proof; brick
interior co
" »-o **'
-I si1 1'Pt' rl i ^iis
II pg 41^ b-i * s!f5
-S S .-go igi i-« g|K o a: 3^ -
§S ^S8 ""ggi" *.. |5 8 u 8
au 18||C«U-S83 "Se^ "So a-i'S o.
f ; concrete
•einforced cone
stone facing o
(n *
fa
.*8
ig
•i
f; walls stone
reinforced coi
struction; 3 s
:nt.
ed concrete;
f ; concrete-t
reinforced con
ile between.
*o.
rn
C u, «
0 o ^
t^8
-£^15=
X u o
** ...
2
§.,
o
c a
o .
2 **
»M
pii
Ii
u u
*31
§?!
l-sl'i-
'C rt^:™
ii 11 till ill IHIsi irlll
££»"
III
03
Ii t->
Pi O
4) O
.ijcn
o «
i- \-.
P, o
.S5
0 g
O u
s "J
i5*°
t-. tn
O ^
"eg
'S*
o «
g-Sf
III
"2-Z
*SS'S
v uie
M
SB
M
& K (n in piinia5'^;
K
N
:
1
*.
en
M rt •
•
c
T3
g^s
u
rt
C^' • H o5 I •*«
rt
1
C
H
13
C
A
en'
„
« "- « ' •* ed
O
„
.
rt
If
a
tn
0)
C
"o
a S >• •§ B- B-
o ra . n "-1 rt o
till i . i 1 i
i
s
n)
G
•
rt
d1
be
"o
P.
rt
n
dT
3
c1
*o
p-
rt
C
en
rt
rt
p
rt
g
?j
do
u
tn
u
Q
1.1 S S "s 1
3-u £a g S«6
u
O
i
M
rt
u
*S
,s
J2
Q
1 ;
i • i !.;*••; : i :
i
V- •
4) •
<« I
Si j j I : : : :
g
,5
c i
OJ
• o .
o o
o • . . ; ' * B
n
3
c •
.S • . • • - .00
o
o .
i-
8
V
u
C C
u X 0 33
0*0 oo « T3IS
-C
u
c
.£
m
o
X
IH
O
s«
rt
"&
H
tC.2 -G J3 J3 B TB
rt
o
o
0
O
y o o o o nj V
C/3 c/3 W ^ J5 # f^
n
«W
CO
m
rt
b
rt
m
pft
w
58
CHOIR AND HIGH ALTAR, CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA DELLA SALUTE,
VENICE, ITALY
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT.
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1921
VOL. CXIX
NUMBER 2352
Program of Competition for a New Group
of Buildings for the New Britain,
Connecticut, State Normal School
PROPOSED BUILDING: The State Board
of Education of Connecticut proposes to erect
a new group of buildings for the New Brit-
ain, Connecticut, State Normal School on property
facing upon Stanley and Wells streets at New
Britain.
PURPOSE OF THE COMPETITION AND AGREEMENT
AS TO FEES : The Board, having in hand a sum suffi-
cient for the purpose, desires to secure through this
competition preliminary sketches by means of which
it may ascertain the probable cost of the accommoda-
tions desired, preparatory to the introduction of a
bill in the State Legislature to carry on appropria-
tion for the erection of the necessary structure or
structures. It therefore proposes to hold a Limited
Competition for the selection of an architect to pre-
pare the preliminary sketches and estimate of cost
referred to. The competition drawings will be few
in number and small in scale with the least possible
degree of elaboration in presentation. The winner
must be prepared to begin to develop the preliminary
sketches in consultation with the Board immediately
upon the close of the competition and to complete
them as soon after the first of January, 1921, as
practicable and not later than February 1, 1921.
These preliminary sketches must be of the character
usually prepared by architects of those invited in this
competition for the purpose of determining the ap-
proximate cost of important buildings and grounds ;
and the successful competitor must be prepared to
provide also a water color perspective drawing of
the exterior. For the professional services rendered
in connection with these preliminary sketches, the
scale and number of which are to be determined upon
between the successful competitor and the Board, the
Board agrees to pay the successful competitor the
sum of $12,000, which shall be inclusive of his fee as
competitor and of which sum he shall be paid $3,000
on account within ten days of the date of the award.
The Board fully expects and intends to employ the
architect successful in this competition to render full
architectural service as defined by the American In-
stitute of Architects, but should the Legislature of
the State of Connecticut fail to make an appropria-
tion for the purpose of building the structure or
structures within three years from January 1, 1921,
this agreement to employ the successful competitor
becomes null and void. In the event that the State
Legislature should subsequently make an appropria-
tion, a new agreement shall be entered into between
the State Board and the successful competitor. In
either case the $12,000 already paid him shall be paid
and received as a payment on account of the total
architect's fee. The unsuccessful competitors shall
be paid the sum of $750, each within ten days of the
date of award.
PROFESSIONAL ADVISER: The State Board of
Education has appointed as its professional adviser
H. Van Buren Magonigle, architect, 101 Park ave-
nue, New York City, to assist in the preparation of
this program and to act as its adviser in the conduct
of this competition, including the making of the
award.
EXAMINATION OF DESIGNS AND AWARD: The
Professional Adviser will examine the designs to as-
certain whether they comply with the mandatory re-
quirements of the program and will report to the
Board any instance of failure to comply with them.
The Board agrees that it will satisfy itself of the ac-
curacy of the report of the Professional Adviser and
will place out of competition and make no award to
any design which does not comply with the manda-
tory requirements.
The Board and the Professional Adviser will then
proceed to the examination of the remaining draw-
ings and will make the award by secret ballot and by
majority vote before opening the envelopes which
contain the names of the competitors. In making the
award the Board and the Professional Adviser will
thereby affirm that they have made no effort to learn
Copyright, 19X1, The Architectural & Building Press (Inc.)
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
the identity of the various competitors, and that they
have remained in ignorance of such identity until
after the award was made.
The opening of the envelope containing the name
of the author of the selected design will automatically
close the contract between him and the Board, as set
forth in Paragraph 2 hereof.
EXHIBITION OF DRAWINGS: It is agreed that no
drawings shall be exhibited or made public until
after the award and that no design shall be made
public without the consent of the author.
USE OF FEATURES OF UNSUCCESSFUL DESIGNS :
Nothing original in the unsuccessful designs shall be
used without consent of, or compensation to, the au-
thor of the design in which it appears.
In case the Board desires to make use of any indi-
vidual feature of an unsuccessful design, the same
may be obtained by adequate compensation to the de-
signer, the amount of such compensation to be deter-
mined in consultation with the author and the Pro-
fessional Adviser.
COMMUNICATIONS: (Mandatory} If any competi-
tor desires information of any kind whatever in re-
gard to the competition or the program he shall ask
for this information by an unsigned letter on plain
paper addressed to the Professional Adviser, and in
no other way, and a copy of this letter and the an-
swer thereto will be sent simultaneously to each com-
petitor, but no request received after October 2,
1920, will be answered.
ANONYMITY OF DRAWINGS: (Mandatory) The
drawings to be submitted shall bear no name or mark
which could serve as a means of identification, nor
shall any such name or mark appear upon the wrap-
per of the drawings, nor shall any competitor direct-
ly or indirectly reveal the identity of his design or
hold communication regarding the competition with
any member of the Board or with the Professional
Adviser or with any other person connected with the
State Normal School, except as provided for under
"Communications."
This program contains all the data necessary to the
competing architects as a basis of their sketches and
inquiry from miscellaneous sources is futile; the
communications of the Professional Adviser with
the competitors will therefore be limited to matters
of interpretation. The award will be made upon
the evidences of general grasp of a problem of this
nature exhibited by the sketches. It is understood
that in submitting a design each competitor thereby
affirms that he has complied with the foregoing pro-
visions in regard to anonymity and agrees that any
violation of them renders null and void this agree-
ment and any agreement arising from it. With each
set of drawings must be enclosed a plain opaque,
sealed envelope without any superscription or mark
of any kind and which shall contain the name and
address of the competitor. These envelopes shall be
opened by the Professional Adviser in the presence
of the Board after the award has been made.
DELIVERY OF DRAWINGS : (Mandatory ) The draw-
ings submitted in this competition shall be securely
wrapped and addressed to H. Van Buren Magonigle,
Professional Adviser, care of Marcus White, Presi-
dent of the State Normal School, New Britain,
Conn., in plain lettering and with no other lettering
thereon, and be delivered at this address not later
than midnight of Monday, November 8, 1920.
PART II.
SITE: The site of the building is shown upon the
accompanying survey and the competitors must visit
the site before beginning their sketches. All the ap-
proaches to the future school will be of practically
equal importance. The street car line which now
terminates a very short distance south of the south-
erly line of the property will probably be extended
and pass the whole frontage; and the districts east
and west of the site will become important in time.
COST: Recognizing that it is impossible in the
present condition of the building industry to esti-
mate the cost of a building by any cubic foot rate
formerly in use, the Board advises the competitors of
its hope that the desired accommodation called for
with the exception of the future dormitory may be
secured by an expenditure of about nine hundred and
fifty thousand dollars and that wasteful planning,
excessive heights and an undue degree of elabora-
tion in workmanship or materials will militate
against the success of the competitor.
DRAWINGS: (Mandatory) The drawings submit-
ted shall be as follows, at scale given and rendered
as noted, and no other drawings than these shall be
submitted.
a. A general plan showing the entire property,
with present contour lines, with roads, paths, play-
grounds and existing or proposed plantations and the
new buildings in outline to be at a scale of sixty-four
feet to the inch rendered in monotone wash.
b. The several floor plans of the main building,
such plans of the dormitory building as required to
show dining room arrangements, a front and a side
elevation and a section taken at will as best explana-
tory of the design, at a scale of 32 feet to the inch.
These drawings shall be in pencil, on white paper
or tracing paper without shadows, and without any
accessories. The plans and sections may have a gray
wash on all wall and floor sections. All of these
drawings shall be mounted on cardboard (it is rec-
ommended that owing to the wear and tear of
handling the drawings shall be mounted solid).
DESCRIPTION : A brief description of the design,
covering those points not made manifest by the
60
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
drawings and particularly stating the materials pro-
posed, etc.
ARBITRATION : Any difference in opinion between
the Board and any competitor arising under this pro-
gram shall be referred to arbitration, the Board and
competitor each selecting one person and these two
selecting a third. The decision of two of these per-
sons shall be final and binding upon all parties. The
Professional Adviser will not be eligible for selection
as one of the arbitrators.
SCHEDULE OF ACCOMMODATIONS: General.
Item 1 : A main building for administration and
instruction.
Item 2 : A dormitory to accommodate 100 stu-
dents, with a few rooms suitable for teachers. Kitch-
en and dining room facilities.
Item 3 : Provision either in main building or in
dormitory for a lunch room (for lunches only) to ac-
commodate 200 non-residents in the dormitory. At
competitor's option kitchen facilities, but not dining
room, may be combined for Items 2 and 3.
Item 4: The design should permit the erection of
a second future dormitory in proper relation to the
other buildings.
Item 5 : An adequate heating plant of flexible
character, sufficient for present needs and adapted to
expansion, both as to structure and equipment.
Item 6: Living quarters for superintendent of
building and grounds, which should include a small
garage and a small stable for a horse for use in the
grounds, sheds for the storage of tools, etc. At the
option of the competitor the heating plant and super-
intendent's quarters may be either (a) combined in
one general structure, (b) or in a small separate
group, (c) the heating plant and the living quarters
may be in the main building.
Item 7 : Four tennis courts and a level grassy area
for playground purposes for such sports as basket-
ball, base ball, etc.
MAIN BUILDING.
The figures given are approximate only.
BUSINESS OFFICE: About 400 sq. ft., with office
supply closet and sink.
PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE : About 180 sq. ft.
OFFICE OF DEAN : 80 to 100 sq. ft.
OFFICE OF SUPERVISOR OF TRAINING: 80 to 100
sq. ft.
OFFICE OF SUPERVISOR OF KINDERGARTEN : 80 to
100 sq. ft.
RECEPTION ROOM : 80 to 100 sq. ft.
(These require no separate toilet facilities. The
two teachers' dressing rooms will suffice.)
A demonstration room on the first floor, with 150
seats arranged in a rising semi-circle, with level space
in front for a class of children.
Biology room, about 24x30 ft., sunny exposure.
A library about 50x75 ft., with book shelves in al-
coves around same.
A supply room opening out of the library, or adja-
cent thereto, about 400 sq. ft.
An art room with space for 40 small working
tables. Space for supply closets and shelves. This
room must have north light, which may be overhead.
An art room annex about half the size of the art
room for industrial work, modeling, etc.
A music room for 100 students, so placed as to dis-
turb as little as possible the rest of the school.
About ten recitation rooms, approximating 24x30
ft., and of which two or three should be half this size.
An assembly hall to seat 450, with an inclined
floor ; a stage about 25 ft. deep, with adequate wings
and fair gridiron space above.
A gymnasium, 50 to 60 by 75 to 80 ft., without a
running track ; spectators' gallery if possible, and out-
side light.
An office for the physical director.
A room for gymnasium supplies, physical exami-
nations, etc.
A students' sick room, with toilet. This is to be
arranged adjacent to the gymnasium, the physical di-
rector being in charge of the general health of the
students.
A locker room, in connection with the gymnasium,
for 250. At least 12 shower baths, 2 W. C.'s, 2 wash
bowls.
A teachers' cloak room for 12 women, with wash
room and toilets adjacent.
A teachers' rest room.
A dressing room for 6 or 8 male teachers, with
wash room and toilet facilities.
Students' (girls) cloak room or rooms, a total of
350 lockers, with proper wash room and toilet fa-
cilities. There may be two or more locker rooms at
competitors' option with a total capacity of 350.
Janitor's supply rooms, closets, sinks, etc.
Drinking fountains at proper points in the plan.
The following four rooms should be grouped to-
gether :
The science lecture room : 100 seats arranged in a
rising semi-circle, with demonstration table, suitably
equipped.
Laboratory for physics and chemistry to accommo-
date 40 students.
A work room about 24x30 ft.
A science supply room, about 400 sq. ft.
61
Factory Production Applied to Housing
Robert Tappan, New York Architect, Addresses National Housing
Association
IT has been said that it requires the services of one
hundred thousand different workers to satisfy
the normal needs of any one individual. I feel
that this is an understatement. In our complex civil-
ization the productive forces of the wide world are
drawn upon to supply us with what we usually con-
sider the ordinary necessities of life. Food, clothing
and shelter naturally form the basic production prob-
lems of the entire earth. The National Housing As-
sociation is concerned with the last of these.
Nature has been kind enough to furnish to us
gratis many elemental food products, ready for con-
sumption. She also provides the material for our
clothing; ranging up through several degrees of raw
material to partial manufacture. In one climate
clothes are obtained from her practically ready-
made ; in another, clothes do not figure as a prime
necessity. But for housing — there we are left to shift
for ourselves — and what a mess generally we make
of it ! Not that there are no good and sufficient rea-
sons for our shortcomings and mistakes.
House building is the oldest craft. We soon out-
grew cave dwelling. Perhaps some prehistoric
board of health condemned caves as dark, damp, dis-
mal and generally deficient in serving the best inter-
est of the community; or better still, let's imagine
that some rapacious landlord jumped the rent or cut
down on the heat. At any rate; some one among our
early ancestors built himself the first house. It
couldn't have been much to look at, but it had the
merit of novelty and did not resemble anything else
on the street. Immediately, artificial hand-made
houses became the vogue. Cave dwelling simply
wasn't being done — and so, perhaps, the ancient and
still honorable profession of the house builder was
born.
Houses are still largely hand-made. It requires
the labor of twenty different trades to build a quite
ordinary and unpretentious modern cottage. Behind
these trades or crafts are lined up literally thousands
of skilled experts, each performing some highly de-
veloped specialty and each a necessary factor in the
successful and economical making of the house. As
an architect, nothing has caught and held my imag-
ination more than the realization that every line I
draw will tend to set in motion, or keep in motion,
some wheel, somewhere, in this gigantic, world-wide
machine.
No other necessity in life remotely approaching the
dwelling house in importance, is produced today by
so many different skilled hand workers, laboring in
the open, at tasks that shift and vary from minute
to minute and job to job. Behind these expert field
craftsmen are thousands of others who also shift
and vary their work to meet the demands of the
home builder. My object in this address is to try to
tell you how some of this vast machinery can be
simplified.
Wood is a basic building material. In one form
or another it enters every home. It is living, a grow-
ing raw product, that requires only intelligent cultiv-
ation to constantly replenish the earth's timber re-
serves. Lumber production is notoriously wasteful,
and its use after production is even more so.
It had been my plan to interest some big lumber
producer in manufacturing wooden houses for me
right where the trees grew. I believed that many
economies could be made in the production of lum-
ber, scientifically standardized to fulfill certain clearly
defined purposes.
Lumber, such as is used in ordinary house build-
ing, is standardized by trade custom into certain def-
inite sizes, shapes, lengths and grades. The logs
are carefully sorted and cut to meet current demands.
An average day's run produces 10 per cent, of waste
and 15 to 20 per cent, of low grade stock too short
to fit the regular standards. Lumbermen conserva-
tively estimate that 10 per cent, of the log, in the
form of slabs and trimmings, goes to the burner, be-
cause of the lack of demand for short-length ma-
terial.
Now one-third of the ordinary framing lumber
usually used in building a six-room workingman's
house can be obtained from material running under
eight feet in length. One-half of the expensive
finishing lumber used for flooring and dressing up
the interior and exterior of the house also can be
made from short-length stock. Does it not seem
wise to get together with the lumberman with a view
to utilizing this discarded, so called, low grade ma-
terial? I thought so and attempted to do so, but
there were a few obstacles in my path.
In the first place, a lumberman is a manufacturer.
Now a manufacturer thinks in different terms from
an architect, a carpenter, or other professional crafts-
men. He speaks a totally different language ; using
such words as cost, equipment, production, merchan-
dising, credits, transportation, storage, financing,
publicity, stock holders, directors, profits — and a host
of other terms that were quite new to me. So I found
62
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
it hard to interest him in my very simple idea. Fin-
ally, by studying up on some of these unknown
words, I was able to get together and sit in with some
who listened long enough and patiently enough to
get the drift of my thoughts. I found that we had very
much in common and that we were not so very dif-
ferent after all. They looked upon themselves as
quite as useful and necessary members of society
as were professional men. They dared to dream
dreams with me and to make plans for the ultimate
good of humanity. Only it had to be done in a way
they understood — a way that was practical and busi-
nesslike.
In theory it had seemed that the producer ought
to be able to make up complete consignments of care-
fully standardized lumber sufficient to construct one
house, and he should be able to ship this lumber,
packed in a box car, directly to the individual home
builder, at a saving to him of at least 25 per cent.
The lumber required to construct an ordinary six-
room house represents about 35 per cent, of its total
cost and the carpenter bill amounts to 15 per cent,
more ; so in dealing with this subject we are working
upon a very important factor in the high cost of
home building. It certainly looks as though the pro-
ducer and the consumer ought to be brought in close
contact for their mutual benefit, but unfortunately, it
is impossible for the lumber manufacturer to produce
economically for direct retail distribution. He must
manufacture in large quantities or his whole system
of lumber production will be slowed down to an un-
profitable pace. This fact, together with orders
equally significant in allied industries connected with
house building, forced the conclusion that the only
way to secure manufacturing economies was to stan-
dardize the product, manufacture it in quantities and
seek wholesale markets.
Efficient factory production is inconceivable with-
out standardization. Can American dwellings be
standardized without sacrificing reasonable individu-
ality ? That is debatable. However, we are dealing
with a vital necessity of life, that has grown con-
stantly more expensive to supply. Personally, I feel
that I could stand any quantity of standardized
houses so long as each individual home was attrac-
tive in appearance and I knew that its inhabitants
were not starving or freezing themselves to death to
meet the, monthly payments. It has never occurred
to me to criticise nature for standardizing her prod-
ucts, or to rail at a field of daisies because they were
all white. Why modern men and women, who go
out of their way to dress, eat and think alike, persist
in housing themselves in structures that represent
the styles, modes and whims of every age and clime,
is too much for my comprehension. It was not al-
ways thus. Can it be that we architects are to
blame ?
After many months spent in study and experiment,
I devised a series of house organisms that combined
a reasonable amount of convenience and attractive-
ness with a fairly economical use of lumber and lum-
ber labor. The floor plans were designed in units, a
method that has been in vogue in Japan for centuries.
While the Japanese are a nation of individual home
dwellers, and famous for the artistry that pervades
so many of their products, it is curious to observe
that their homes are decidedly lacking in architectural
pretension. If there is no attempt at architectural dis-
play in the dwellings of Japan the traveller is at least
spared those miserable experiences he so often en-
counters in his own country, where, to a few houses
of good taste, he is sure to pass hundreds of per-
forated boxes embellished with grotesque and offend-
ing abominations. From one end of Japan to the
other, house plans are designed in terms of a standard
unit of measurement, the floor mat. The dimensions
of the mat are three feet wide by six feet long. The
architect marks on his plan the number of mats
each room is to contain — this number defining the
size of the room ; hence the lumber used must be of
definite lengths and the carpenter is sure to find those
lengths in the lumber yard. It follows that but
little waste of lumber occurs in the construction of
a Japanese house. It had occurred to me that an
adaptation of this system of unit planning might re-
sult in a similar saving in lumber here in America
if I could get the lumber producer interested in co-
operating. I employed a unit or module of sixteen
inches, as that spacing is in common enough use
among our carpenters, though generally ignored by
architectural designers. This unit, when faithfully
followed throughout an entire house organism, per-
mits the use of a few simple standard lengths of
lumber that can be used in many places in scores of
differently designed houses. The floor, wall and roof
boards, for example, may be cut in multiples of four
feet, and be nailed in place without waste. There
is a technique of unit planning just as there is in
playing the piano (its keyboard is only so many
units), and the longer I practice at unit design the
more valuable the idea proves to be. Next, I care-
fully scheduled all of the lumber and submitted my
complete details to several manufacturers for their
estimates. The result was gratifying. Instead of
saving 25 per cent., I found that we could lower the
cost 50 per cent.
This was interesting, but it is not the whole story.
There are other significant savings that can be made.
We have found that unit design and standardized
wooden construction speeds up the work all along
the line. The psychological laws underlying the
wonderful manufacturing efficiency of our great
modern industrial establishments work out just as
truly when they are applied to standardized house
63
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
construction. If this paper were not confined to one
topic I could tell you of a quantity of experiences
that I have had in proving out Ford car production
methods on carpenters, painters, plumbers and other
house-building craftsmen. There is absolutely no
doubt in my mind but that the housing problem, from
the point of view of economical production, will solve
itself eventually.
Today we are passing through the throes of a
great change. A new world is being born. Old, out-
worn methods are being discarded and new ones are
taking their places. There are many who deplore
and even resist the onward march of industrial pro-
gress. They prophecy the death of all craftsmanship
and art. I do not. No one has more respect for the
time-honored building crafts than have I. It has
been my privilege to be intimately associated with ex-
pert craftsmen in many lines on a number of impor-
tant gothic churches and cathedrals. I have worked
with artists and appreciate the thrills of inspiration
and the joy that every true craftsman feels in crea-
tive accomplishment, but I firmly believe that the
time-honored methods of the house-building crafts,
easy-going and haphazard as they certainly are, rep-
resent a distinct menace when applied to the construc-
tion of this great necessity of life. Food and clothing
are no longer produced by mediaeval processes;
houses still are, with an added complication, that the
modern house is by no means so simple as was its
early ancestor. In the old days materials were ob-
tained locally, skilled labor cost next to nothing and
mechanical installations were unknown. Today the
meanest residence that an enlightened craftsman will
inhabit requires the services of thousands of experts
to construct. Any new factory production methods
that will tend to simplify and lower the costs of
modern workingmen's homes ought to be welcomed,
not resisted.
The Extension of Paris
A SPECIAL meeting of the London Society
was held in the hall of the Royal Society of
Arts some time ago to hear a paper on
"L'Extension de Paris," by Monsieur Louis Bonnier,
Inspector-General des Services Techniques d'Archi-
tecture et d'Esthetique (representing the Prefet of
the Seine).
After referring to the way in which the great
cities had gradually drained the population away
from the country, he is reported in the Architects'
Journal of London, as saying that the advent in our
history of these formidable masses of population
demanded a new school of therapeutics and surgery.
The machinery of the town being much more com-
plex becomes more fragile and at the mercy of the
slightest mishap, such as an abnormal flood or an
unexpected strike. What would be the position to-
morrow if we had masses of population amounting
to ten millions of people ? He then touched on the
history of Paris and the efforts that were made in
the time of Phillippe Auguste, Charles V. and
Louis XIV, to arrest the growth of Paris by stat-
ute. It was only at the end of the eighteenth cen-
tury that public opinion began to take an interest
m the beautification of the city, the first actual plan
being prepared by Verniquet in 1790. He then re-
ferred to the efforts of the various periods up to the
time of Napoleon III., who, with his Prefet Hauss-
mann, dreamed of the complete transformation of
Paris. Though these works are still the wonder of
the world, yet they have become quite insufficient
for Pans of the present day. The advent of the
motor vehicle created requirements which could not
be compared with those of pre-war days. At a point
where four years ago one horse fiacre passed, now
there were perhaps four or five taxicabs. What
would be the state of affairs, he asked, when nor-
mal conditions were re-established, seeing that
France possessed only one motor for every 400 in-
habitants, while the United States had one for
every 14 inhabitants. Evidently we must be pre-
pared for an enormous increase of motors on the
streets of Paris. He suggested that a strict regula-
tion of vehicles would be necessary in the future,
and that it would be necessary to consider the sup-
pression of heavy vehicular traffic in the center of
the city, the reduction of footpaths for the benefit
of the roadway, and even the removal of the stalling
of the terraces before the shops and cafes, which
give Paris so much character.
A law was passed just before the war that made
it obligatory on every town of 10,000 inhabitants
and over to prepare a scheme of improvements.
Monsieur Bonnier then described the various
studies they had made of the movements of popula-
tion, etc., in Paris, in order that they might be able
to properly consider the probable needs of the fu-
ture. He mentioned that they had come to the con-
clusion that it was necessary to include in the City
of Paris any neighboring communes with more
than 100 inhabitants to the hectare ; while of the re-
maining districts, which they considered as Greater
Paris, those where the inhabitants numbered be-
tween 10 and 100 to the hectare. He mentioned that
though this lowest figure of 10 to the hectare was
64
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
arbitrarily selected by them, they found it was justi-
fied by later experiments, and it was an undoubted
fact as soon as the figure of 10 per hectare was ex-
ceeded then for the first time the influence of Paris
began to make itself felt.
The lecturer proceeded to show cinematograph
films that he had had made : one showing the suc-
cessive development of Paris, the other of its su-
burbs during the course of the nineteenth century.
These films have been prepared from plans all
drawn to one scale, which show the growth of the
city at various stages, then being all run through
the cinema quickly they give a graphic idea of the
population's increase. The "agglomeration" of
Paris covers a total area of 49,483 hectares, border-
ing on the Department of Oise and Seine-et-Marne.
In 110 years the area has increased in the propor-
tion of 1 to 14.4; the population 1 to 7.9. They had
tried to find out from their investigations what
would be the population of Paris 50 years hence,
and came to the conclusion that it would be 14,-
300,000 in habitants, a figure not more startling to
us to-day than would have been the actual popula-
tion of 1911 to the inhabitants of Paris 50 years
earlier.
After referring to the well-known axiom of
town-planning, which laid down that it is the pub-
lic transport services which are the key to the ex-
tension of the town and the distribution of its in-
habitants, he proceeded to mention the efforts they
were making for safeguarding the most precious
monuments of the past in the city of Paris. He said
that both the French and ourselves belonged to
countries the soil of which, in addition to the natural
riches, had clothed itself with an incomparable robe
of buildings of many descriptions, which consti-
tuted a national treasure that it behooved us to safe-
guard and keep at all costs.
He said that these monuments of the past marked
the character of the town and determined the pivot
of its embellishment. Though sometimes they were
a cause of difficulty to the town planner, yet, like
difficulties in other matters, they could be made a
pretext and a reason for ingenious and picturesque
arrangements. Nothing was so commonplace as the
things that arranged themselves too easily. In Paris
they were preparing an inventory of all their ancient
monuments. After showing various slides illus-
trating this portion of the work, he went on to
speak of the recent Congress and Competition for
a Plan of the Future, pointing out that it was im-
possible to undertake the improvement of a city
without first having exhausted all sources capable of
furnishing suggestions. From the most grandiose
schemes or the most fantastic, one could always gain
some inspiration. The City of Paris organized an
inter-allied Conference to discuss its extension. He
referred particularly to the points on which the
competitors were unanimous, such as the necessity
for reducing immediately the density of the popula-
tion and bursting through the narrow boundaries
which made Paris the most overcrowded of the great
capitals. They all agreed, also, that the industrial
population should be gradually brought back again
to the North of the City, leaving the intellectual
quarter to the South ; that more radial and circular
lines of railways were needed, and they agreed as
to the necessity for the electrification of the rail-
ways ; the removal to a distance of workshops, car-
riage depots, and to the reconstruction of roads.
Some competitors suggested that the improve-
ments should be secured by driving large and costly
avenues from north to south and from" east to west:
others that similar benefits could be obtained by bet-
ter organization and stricter regulations, which
might be progressively coercive. Monsieur Bonnier
intimated that probably a combination of the two
would be found to be the best solution. He re-
ferred to the immense importance of beautifying
the approaches to the city and to the fact that rail-
way stations had now taken the place of the City
Gates. Yet was it not a fact that our railway sta-
tions were so designed that their most pleasing fea-
tures were seen not by the coming but by the depart-
ing traveller.
Finally he remarked that though many happy
ideas were evolved from the competition, yet even in
the best schemes there were some deplorable ones.
He spoke most strongly against the theory of the
isolation of ancient monuments, pointing out that
people were apt to forget that they had been de-
signed for the particular position that they occu-
pied. He objected, also, strongly to the idea that it
was necessary to surround ancient monuments with
buildings that were supposed to be in harmony with
them ; nor did he consider it possible to rely on the
judgment of administrative commissions in these
matters. He said that our great architects of the
past could never have executed their "chefs
d'ceuvres" if a dozen serious gentlemen had been
charged to lop off the faults with which they were
happily endowed.
65
The Housing Problem Met and Overcome
in Prague
(From our Special English Correspondent)
WITH us in England the housing problem
seems to firmly decline to be conjured by
any motions of the official wand. After in-
numerable speeches, and complicated and dubious ex-
pedients, Dr. Addison, who is officially in charge
of this question, has produced a bill which has just
been thrown out by the House of Lords, with the
general approval of the country, but with the result
that it leaves this pressing question in an even worse
muddle than it was before. After these years of
governmental mismanagement one's heart goes out
in sympathy to those who — in the little Sussex vil-
lage where I write these lines — on the sound old
principle that the gods help those who help them-
selves, set to work a few months ago to build their
GETTING TO WORK ON THE FOUNDATION
HOUSING BY STUDENTS AT PRAGUE
own houses, and by this year's ending will have
roofed in three or four very cosy looking dwellings
on the bungalow type.
But we are by no means the only ones to suffer
from housing difficulties. I believe that the problem
has crossed the Atlantic; and in Europe Prague,
the ancient capital of the new state of Czechoslovakia!
has had a very acute housing problem. This was
particularly felt by the many thousands of students
of the University, who could hardly find suitable
lodgings. Here too the idea of self help came for-
ward, and found a ready and efficient acceptance.
Professor Zahorsky, of the Technical High School,
placed at the disposal of the organizations of the
students his own patented system of "rapid build-
ing." The Municipality of Prague "lent" to them
for twenty years the ground required ; and soon
some two thousand volunteers, all of them students,
had started to build a complex of eleven large
pavilions, which will provide accommodation and
MOVING THE SOIL
HOUSING BY STUDENTS AT PRAGUE
comfortable conditions for 700 students. These will
include a central kitchen, dining-hall ; laundry, read-
ing-room, etc. The students, as will be seen in one
of my illustrations, have themselves dug the founda-
tions for these pavilions, they had even dynamited
MOVING UP MATERIAL
HOUSING BY STUDENTS AT PRAGUE
stone in the quarries, and in fact have, I understand,
done the whole work— with the exception of the
brick-laying, which was done by professionals.
66
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
I am told by my friends in Prague that it is very
interesting to visit this busy active colony, and see
them at work — especially on Saturdays and Sun-
days, when some 400-500 are to be found working.
CARTING THE STONE
HOUSING BY STUDENTS AT PRAGUE
By an excellent regulation the right to get a room in
this colony is only acquired by those who have
worked at least 70 hours on the construction. The
colony is situated in the modern part of the city, near
the Stadium, where last summer the great display of
the Sokol gymnastic societies took place; and the
girl students do the cooking for their working com-
rades, that is, for those who are actually working on
the construction. The whole movement only com-
menced some 5-6 weeks ago, and by this time all
the eleven pavilions are about completed and occu-
pied by the students.
The system of "rapid building" which Professor
Zahorsky has so generously placed at the disposal of
the students has the advantage that very solid build-
ings, with quite a good appearance, can be built of
wood, with stone foundations and brick underset-
tings, without any specialized knowledge of carpen-
try, for the planks are only nailed together. Our il-
lustrations, which show the students at work, will
help in forming some idea of the methods of con-
struction used. The buildings have double walls,
with a sort of small ladders between, and the walls
are filled with ashes so that the pavilions will keep
warm. The result should go far to test, and very
possibly establish, the advantages of the method here
put in use. In any case, after such interminable dis-
cussion, it is a pleasant change to find some peo-
ple who can take off their coats, and put the work
clean through in six weeks.
The American Specification Institute
FROM an examination of your editorial of No-
vember 17 it appears to us that your plan for
the American Specification Institute is a good
one. We do not know that specifications as now
produced are the least creditable portion of the out-
put of an architect's office. While we see other archi-
tects' work as published in the magazines we never
see another architect's specifications and seldom see
any of his detail drawings. We sometimes hear
criticisms of other architects' specifications from
contractors who use them and have even heard
favorable comments on our own.
It would seem to us that if some arrangement
could be found by which our specifications could be
criticised by some impartial, disinterested architect,
or, even better, by such a contractor, it would be of
very great benefit.
HARDING & SEAVER.
Pittsfield, Mass.
in your editorial November 12. If, as you say, it is
wisely formed and managed, it should greatly assist
in improving this branch of architectural and engi-
neering work, which, we must agree, is generally
not given the attention it deserves.
We await with much interest further information
regarding progress of this movement.
SMITH, HINCHMAN & GRYLLS.
Detroit, Mich.
I am very much impressed with your suggestions
and wish you every success, and would be glad to
help. MYRON HUNT, Architect.
Los Angeles, Cal.
We heartily endorse the formation of the Ameri-
can Specification Institute, about which you write
I quite agree with your view that as a rule the
specifications now produced are the least creditable
portion of the output of architects' offices, and,
holding this opinion, I therefore feel that anything
that is likely to improve the character of specifica-
tion writing and any institution that will turn out
men competent to write good specifications should
be welcomed by the architectural profession as a
whole and certainly would have my hearty approval.
The proposed Specification Institute may be the
very organization to handle this work. I am not
sure that I understood its purposes and equipment
sufficiently to give it unlimited commendation, but,
if I understand it correctly, I shall certainly wish
for its abundant success.
WILBUR T. MILLS.
Columbus, O.
67
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Trinity Church, Newport, R. I.
(See reproduction of original drawing by O. R. Eggers on opposite page)
Newport, Rhode Island, sometimes called the social
capital of the United States, was even before the outbreak
of the Revolution socially and industrially important.
During the occupation of Newport by the British, a fire
destroyed a large part of the town. Among the few
structures to escape the flames was Trinity Church, the
subject of this sketch. As a result of military operations
Newport became almost depopulated, but through all the
vicissitudes of the Revolutionary struggle, "old Trinity"
passed safely.
In its architecture Trinity resembles many other churches
built in New England during the early history of the
Colonies, and while preserving the dignity and quiet refine-
ment that characterized the early meeting houses, its chief
claim is its association with stirring scenes of early wars and
the reverential aspect of the people who stoutly guarded
this sacred building from every threatened danger.
Old Newport presents a picturesque contrast to the newer
section, where now the mansions of the newly rich flaunt
their pride of wealth before the observer. In the old town
the houses are small, wooden structures, the streets are
quaint and narrow and there is a restful feeling about the
entire section.
In earlier days the waterfront was the scene of bustling
activity. Newport is an ideal harbor for ships of even
the largest draft. From this port there cleared to sail
the waters of the seven seas tall sparred ships whose cargoes
formed a considerable part of our American commerce. At
that time the spire of Trinity dominated the town and it
served as a landmark for incoming ships and a beacon of
hope to the home-coming sailor.
68
TRINITY CHURCH, NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
THE AMERICAN ARCB1TECT Series of Earl, Amtrican Ar,hile,lure
Europe Turns to American Architects
AX increasing respect for American architects is
being manifested by the attitude of Europe.
Visitors to these shores from abroad reverse the
opinion expressed by foreign guests some thirty
years ago. At that time it was generally recognized
that American architecture in the finer and accepted
sense, did not exist in our promiscuously grouped
skyscrapers, which in themselves were ugly.
But today it is different. Arthur Balfour, during
his recent trip to this country, referred with unre-
strained admiration to "these great cathedrals which
you call business buildings." Blasco Ibanez when he
was here, declared that in the presence of New
York's skyline and the magnificence of its great
structures, he felt "a new pride in the achievements
of man."
Today America leads in architectural development.
The Philadelphia Ledger summarizes certain in-
stances of dependence upon us for the restoration of
Europe's war-marred places. An American has been
asked to plan the restoration of Rheims. An Ameri-
can architect has been invited to rebuild the Uni-
versity of Louvain. And greater yet, one of the
largest problems confronting European specialists,
the planning of a new Constantinople, has also just
been referred to American architects.
These few examples indicate a tendency, but it is
logical to assume that only competence has been the
basis. If American architects had not made good,
not only in America where our own prejudice might
discolor merit, but in the opinion of unbiased na-
tions across the seas, the situation would be quite
different. It is the practical grasp of the business
of architecture, combined with a close knowledge of
architecture as an art, that is more and more bring-
ing recognition to the profession, and by a harmoni-
ous union of these two attitudes will the profession
move onward to an ever better standard.
What Is a "Public"?
"T)EOPLE are naturally egotistical. No better
1 proof of this can be found than our attitude to-
ward strikes and the "public" which those strikes
effect. Forget entirely about the right or wrong of
a strike. Take it for granted that a strike exists in
a municipal street railway system. That is a so-called
public utility. As a matter of fact, it is no more
a public utility than the hotel one stops in, the res-
taurant one eats in, or the house one lives in. We
have become accustomed to speaking of it as a public
utility in a loose sense, and we probably shall con-
tinue to do so for a long while.
Precisely as we speak of "the public" in a loose
sense in the event of a strike on a traction system.
Also, in a selfish and egotistical sense. We find that
we cannot get down to work. We are inconvenienced.
We have to resort to various makeshifts to reach our
place of business. We immediately speak of "the
public," which means simply that we are speaking of
ourselves and others who want to get down to work
on that particular traction system. That is "the pub-
lic" for the time being.
If cooks go on strike, the owners of restaurants
set up a wail about the "public" being hard hit. They
are thinking and speaking only of restaurant owners.
It matters little to them if steel erectors are also on
strike, so long as such a strike does not immediately
and directly affect restaurant owners as a whole.
So it goes. The "public" is always nothing more
than ourselves.
One of the best things ever said about the too-
often quoted "public" is this by Albert Strauss,
formerly Yice-Governor of the Federal Reserve
Board:
"The workmen of each manufacturer and pro-
ducer are the customers of all manufacturers and
producers. The great bulk of the working popula-
tion constitutes the great bulk of the customers of
the producers and manufacturers. Unemployment,
therefore, tends to perpetuate itself by cutting off
the purchasing power of the population; the more
that purchasing power is curtailed the more does
business fall off, and the more business falls off the
more, through unemployment, is the purchasing
power of the community impaired."
Careful consideration and study of that paragraph
would eliminate a great deal of useless and inane talk
about "the public." It would not excuse unjustifiable
69
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
strikes. It would not mean that strikes are right or
wrong. It would simply tend to do away with some
of the natural egotism which is unfortunately too
great a part of every member of the real public.
Excessive Bidding
CONTRACTORS do not make bids in any way
comparable with those made after the work is
ready to start and the owner ready to buy. This
gives the impression that buildings will cost more
than they actually do cost. Hence the owner decides
not to go ahead . . . Stabilization of prices and
the revival of building will be here when the con-
tractors are ready to quote their real prices, so that
investors can see their way clear to go ahead and not
feel that they are paying a premium to the juggling
of prices by contractors."
This paragraph occurs in a letter from one of our
correspondents, and is a quotation from a recent in-
terview with one of the country's most prominent
architects, a man directly in touch with the adminis-
trative affairs of several architectural societies and
constantly on the alert to the various factors which
operate to the good or evil of the building industry.
Two examples will suffice to show just what this
practice means to the building industry. A 20-story
building, on which figures were taken recently, was
to have seven passenger elevators. They were bid
at about $225,000. In another job (a bank build-
ing) 14 stories high, and with steel to carry 20
stories, was let at "$1 per cubic foot," according to
information given out to the public.
Now as to the first instance. The bid for these
elevators was outrageous; almost 100 per cent, too
high. Proof of that fact was shown in the action
of the elevator company which made the bid. A week
after the original bid was submitted a representative
of the elevator company which made it called, and
said just about this :
"If this building operation goes ahead, we can ma-
terially cut the price and close the contract."
Moreover, the steel was bid at $110 per ton, which
is in excess of the cost now being used in a building
now being constructed in the particular city where
all this occurred.
"Contractors," says this same architect, "seem to
be afraid to make bona-fide bids. Afraid they might
bid too much lower than their competitors. I know
how that is from my own experience. Everyone
sparring for wind and playing for position."
So much for the first example of this practice.
The second — concerning the cubic foot cost of the
bank building referred to — has to do more properly
with misinformation rather than with excessive bid-
ding, but it creates an impression of excessive bid-
ding, and is therefore to be spoken of at one and the
same breath.
What that $1 per cubic foot actually represented
in that bank building was practically a total cost,
since it included all of the marble and bronze bank
fixtures, vaults and other expensive items of a bank,
but not, by any means, part of an ordinary office
building.
Yet the public, or even architects, who may not
have known the real facts of the case, were given the
impression that the building itself cost $1 per cubic
foot.
What^ is the value of getting at facts like these?
Simply this : To recognize a condition, produce
examples of it based on facts, and then seek a rem-
edy. There can be no doubt that excessive bidding
exists. The facts given here are typical instances,
not detached incidents. They point the necessity
for a remedy.
What shall that remedy be? It has been pointed
out time and again at conventions of architects, of
engineers, of builders, and of every group which has
to do with the building industry. It has been repeat-
ed so much, and so vociferously, that it has become
tiresome to a great many architects. Yet it is the
one remedy for the thing, and it is summed up in one
short word.
It is needless to print that word.
70
sar ^^c*i
8
J5
I — I
~ s
cq g
II
as co
O &
3 J H
'^ Pi
fe 51 w
f , ^ |^*|
C/3 P^ k-J
S§B
fa 3 O
H
o
W
o
H
H
W
—
O
u
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
-SECTIONS '
SCALE /3S-=l'-0"-
JANUARY 19,
ELEVATION'
A
H
> i •
•
COMPETITION FOR THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL, NEW BRITAIN, CONN.
PRIZE WINNING DESIGN— GUILBERT & BETELLE, ARCHITECTS
VOL. CXIX, No. 2352
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY 19, 1921
3TWD L »il S -
- FLOO^ -20 ILOOK2 «• ^O J
fLWJt. - It - - 31
a - »
» FL»«t.- Z,O • • Z.Q
rer »L r*o
F u T u •-<- D o »-M i T
fU<«--
fLfl
To T»l
.'/.ill t V I L 0 1 I G
.Sit... Tt.it,
COMPETITION FOR THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL, NEW BRITAIN, CONN.
PRIZE WINNING DESIGN— C.UILBERT & BETELLE, ARCHITECTS
VOL. CXIX, No. 2352
I
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY 19, 1921
COMPETITION 1'OR A ,\!\\ .GRov |> o>
BVILDING.S FOR I HI XI \\ &RH \ '
C OA'.N • 5 TAT E .N O R MAI 5CHOO1
j:
~1 '
jJ
PLOT AND FIRST FLOOR PLANS
COMPETITION FOR THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL, NEW BRITAIN, CONN.
DESIGN SUBMITTED BY W. F. BROOKS, ARCHITECT
— f
Z
U
w
H
HH
U
u
I— I
w
w
H
z
X
r :
I
T-fli] i
1 I
• .. r
--^
...,.,,
pvvv,4.,,.,'4 /
1
1 »
a
r*~
h.*..«..t .
1
• .
o
V J >
: i
lid
___J
>"W»T •
1
:
li
•
g
!-•
— .-+
,
Ci
,< •
r •
: t
**""^<l SC
CQ
i
i
....,
, . ^
,11
Eqm |
^
w
I
• . • -I
UJ
o
i
-•—•*-
.
-:
§
ti_J
u
d
Cf. -J V
: -It
1 *"i r
ri;
- U
"i
-1 n
y.
MI
.- — -
^B
• ! !
L...J •
U-l
<
5 ?
9 ^
I? pq
W g
Iz
o
H
o
u
VOL. CXIX, No. 2352
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY 19, 1921
•
btfl
PLOT AND FIRST FLOOR PLANS
COMPETITION FOR THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL, NEW BRITAIN, CONN.
DESIGN SUBMITTED BY AYMAR EMBURY II, ARCHITECT
VOL. CXIX, No. 2352
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY 19, 1921
">c
'
. — J
c o u p [ i« i T • .1 \ roRA-NIvr- CROUP 1-1 i n i i L u i s r, i r ci R
1111 N I W II K . i \ : -. r 0 N'M t r T 'l • i: ! 5 T A r I N O R. M A I • 5 C II o o 1
COMPETITION FOR THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL, NEW BRITAIN, CONN.
DESIGN SUBMITTED BY AYMAR EMBURY II, ARCHITECT
Heating and Ventilating Industrial Buildings
Part III
Hot-Blast Systems
By CHARLES L. HUBBARD, Heating Engineer.
THE most satisfactory system of heating for
the modern industrial building, especially
where the number of occupants is large in
proportion to the cubic space, is that employing a
fan and heater with a system of ducts for distributing
the warm fresh air to all parts of the building.
Various modifications of this arrangement are em-
ployed for different conditions, including the re-
cirulation of air ; the unit system, without the use of
distributing ducts ; a combination of supply and ex -
MODEL INSTALLATION IN BASEMENT OF
INSTITUTE OF THERMAL RESEARCH,
BUFFALO, N. Y.
Vento heaters are located inside the galvanized housing, warming
air forced through by electrically driven fan.
haust fans, etc., etc., which will be mentioned in some
detail later on.
While a certain amount of simple data relating to
the design of systems of this kind will be given, the
plan proposed is to make this rather brief and devote
the greater part of the article to the general arrange-
ments which have been found most satisfactory for
different classes of buildings, thus assisting the ar-
chitect in making a selection of a system for any
given set of conditions.
FANS
The fans used for hot-blast heating are almost
entirely of the centrifugal type, enclosed in steel
plate casings. They are of two general forms known
as the "paddle wheel" and "multi-vane."
The first of these is the older, and is probably
more widely used than any other, although it is be-
ing rapidly superseded in new work by the multi-
vane fan, owing to the smaller size of the latter for
a given capacity and its higher efficiency.
The paddle wheel fan has been more or less stan-
dardized in design by different makers so that general
data is of some value for approximating the size,
speed and horse power, under given working condi-
tions.
The multi-vane fan, on the other hand, varies con-
siderably in design and operation, hence it is best to
obtain all data as regards its action from the makers
for any particular case under consideration, furnish-
ing them with the volume of air to move, and a
rough sketch of the size and arrangement of the dis-
tributing ducts.
In a general way, the cubic space required by a
71
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
BUFFALO PLANT OF NATIONAL LAMP WORKS
Vote metbod of running air supply ducts.
multi- vane fan will be approximately one-half to two-
thirds that required by a paddle wheel fan of the
same capacity, and for the same size outlet will de-
liver the same volume of air at about 65 per cent.
of the tip speed-, and will require approximately 80
per cent, of the power.
DATA FOR PADDLE WHEEL FAXS
For fans of average proportions, the volume of
air moved may be computed by the following
formula:
V = 2 x D x X x A x B; in which
V = cubic feet of air discharged per minute.
D — diameter of fan wheel, in feet.
N = revolutions per minute.
A = a factor depending upon the diameter of fan.
(See Table /.)
B = a factor depending upon the resistance pro-
duced by the air ducts. This may be taken as
0.6 for the conditions found in shops and
factories when the duct ' arrangement is as
shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and 07 for systems
like Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6. (See Editor's Note.)
If the size and volume of air are given, the
speed may be obtained by the following, in which
the svmbols are the same as before :
2 x D x A x B
TABLE I.
Diameter of
fan, in feet
3
Value of "A"
in formula
2.9
3.9
4
50
62
5
7.6
6
.107
7
144
8
. . 18.6
EXAMPLE
What volume of air will be delivered per minute
by a 6-foot fan running at 300 r.p.m. in connection
with a shop system of the general type illustrated
in Fig. 1?
V = 2 x 6 x 300 x 0.6 x 107 = 23,112 or 23,000
cubic feet, in round numbers.
The horse power for driving a fan depends upon
72
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
NOVEL INSTALLATION IN FORD MOTOR
CO. PLANT
In this case the columns have been utilized as ventilating ducts.
the diameter, speed and the resistance operated
against. Table II gives data from which the horse
power may be approximated. The figures in the
table are for fans discharging directly into the at-
mosphere without the use of ducts.
For the conditions of factory work, multiply these
figures by 0.7 when "B" in the formula = 0.6; and
by 0.8 when "B" = 0.7.
TABLE II.
Dia. of
an, in
feet
Revolutions per minute
160] 200| 240| 2801 3201 3GO| 400| 440| 4801 520] 560| 600
Horse power for driving fan
3
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
354
35
6.5
10
4.5
5.5
6.5
7.5
4
5
8
10
12
4*4
6
8
13
•
5
7
9
12
27
16
6
10
14
20
7
12
16
25
33
8
18
30
4'.'
EXAMPLE
What horse power will be required to drive the
fan considered in the previous example?
Here we have a 6-foot fan running at 300 r.p.m.,
with a value of "B" = 0.6. From Table II we
find that a fan of this size running at 280 r.p.m.
requires 20 H. P. and at 320 it requires 27 H. P.
Interpolating, we find that for 300 r.p.m., the horse
power will be
20 + 27
— x 300 = 24 horse power.
280+320
FAN DRIVES
Ventilating fans may be driven either by steam
engines, turbines, or electric motors, according to
circumstances. \Yhen the exhaust can be utilized
in the heater, an engine or turbine is usually more
economical to operate where it is necessary to vary
the fan speed to any great extent during different
parts of the day. Where electricity is generated on
the premises, motors are usually employed for all
fan work, especially where ventilation is provided
throughout the year, regardless of heating, and
where the exhaust from the engine would be wasted
during the summer.
Again, the convenience of a motor often leads to
its use, even at an increased cost of operation.
A simple, quiet-running engine is desirable for fan
work, and may be either horizontal or vertical, as
found most suitable. The matter of a belted or di-
rect drive is also one of available space in industrial
buildings, and either may be employed satisfactorily.
Engines having the crank and connecting rod en-
cased are especially adapted to this class of work, as
it protects the bearings from dust and grit which are
liable to be present to some extent when the engine
is placed in the fan room.
Since it is frequently desirable to connect the
motor directly with the fan shaft, direct current is
preferable in ventilation work. When this is not
available, and alternating current must be employed,
it becomes necessary to use a belted or geared motor
in order to secure the required speed reduction.
HEATERS
The radiating surface used in connection with
blo"\ver work may be either in the form of wrought
iron pipe or cast iron sections designed especially
for this purpose. In either case, standard forms are
generally employed so that the work of the architect
PORTION OF THE PLANT OF THE BEECH
NUT PACKING CO., CANAJOHARIE, N. Y.
In heating buildings in which food products are prepared, not
only fresh air, but that free from dust, and of proper humidity
is essential. In the plant shown above the air is both washed
and heated before delivery. In addition the humidity is under
careful control.
73
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
T:
: rise in temperature of air, in degrees.
TABLE III.
HOT-BLAST SYSTEM INSTALLED IN PRINT-
ING ESTABLISHMENT
This press room is both heated and ventilated by fresli warm air
supplied through the register openings.
or engineer relates rather to their arrangement than
to details of design.
The quantity of heat given off varies with the
depth, the amount of surface, the velocity of air
flow over it and the difference in temperature be-
tween the air and the steam filling the neater. The
final temperature of the air depends upon the depth
of the heater rather than the amount of surface.
For average conditions, say, with steam at 2
pounds gauge pressure, air entering the heater at
zero, and passing through it at a velocity of 1,000
feet per minute, the final temperature will be ap-
proximately as follows for heaters of the depths
listed.
TABLE III.
Depth of heater,
in rows of
1-inch pipe
4
Final temperatun
of air passing
• through heater
30
8
60
12
85
16
105
20
122
24 .
..137
The efficiency of the heater, or heat units given
off per square foot of surface per hour, for dif-
ferent depths is given in Table IV, which is based
on the same conditions as before; that is, air en-
tering at zero, velocity of air 1,000 feet per minute,
steam pressure 2 pounds gauge.
The working formulae for the design of main
heaters are very simple, and are as follows :
VxT 55 xH 55 xH
H= — ; V= — ; and T= , in which
55 T V
H = total heat to be supplied, in thermal units.
V = cubic feet of air to be heated.
Depth of heater,
in rows of
1-inch pipe
4
Efficiency of heaters,
in thermal units per
sq. ft. of surface per hour
2,200
8
2,000
12
1,800
16
1,600
20
1,500
24 ,
.1,400
The use of these formulae and Tables III and IV
are best illustrated by working a practical example.
EXAMPLE
A factory building contains 240,000 cubic feet of
space, and it is desired to change the air three times
per hour when it is zero outside, and maintain an
inside temperature of 70 degrees at the same time.
The maximum heat loss through transmission and
leakage is computed as 600.000 thermal units per
hour by methods previously given. How many square
feet of surface must the main heater at the fan con-
tain, and how many rows of pipe deep must it be?
The total heat to be supplied per hour is that re-
quired to warm the incoming air from zero to 70
degrees, plus that lost by transmission and leak-
age. The total air quantity is 240,000 x 3 = 720,000
cubic feet per hour. To raise the temperature of
this through 70 degrees requires
720,000 x 70
H = - = 916,400 thermal units.
55
Adding to this the loss by transmission and leak-
age gives a total of 1,516,400 thermal units per
A DYE HOUSE INSTALLATION
The design of heating and ventilating systems for buildings
devoted to this industry requires careful study. The large
quantity of steam constantly present tends to produce excessive
condensation on all cool surfaces. This being especially detri-
mental to wood and iron must be to a large measure counteracted
by the system installed.
74
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
hour. As this must be brought in by 720,000 cubic
feet of air, the problem now becomes to what temper-
ature must the air be raised to absorb this amount
of heat? This is given by
55x1,516,400
T = =116 degrees
720,000
which added to the initial temperature of zero gives
a final temperature of 0 -|- 116 = 116 degrees.
Looking in Table III we find that a heater 20 pipes
deep is required to give a final temperature equal to
this. Also from Table IV it will be seen that a
heater of this depth will have an efficiency of 1,500.
The total heat to be supplied is 1,516,400 thermal
units. Hence 1,516,400 -4- 1500 = 1011 square feet
of surface will be required.
AIR DISTRIBUTION AND RE-CIRCULATION
The method of distributing the warm air under
different conditions is best described by illustrating a
number of typical buildings.
In certain plants where the rooms are well filled
with operatives, or where the processes carried on
are such that maximum ventilation is required at all
times, the heater should be designed for giving the
full air supply in zero weather. In other plants,
where the requirements are not so exacting, satisfac-
tory results may be obtained by re-circulating the
full volume of air within the building in zero
weather and gradually increasing the outside supply
as the temperature rises, until the full quantity is
taken from outside when the temperature reaches 25
or 30 degrees. In other cases, where the cubic space
is large per occupant, it may be entirely satisfactory
to recirculate the entire air volume for all outside
temperatures below 40 or 50 degrees and depend on
natural leakage for the fresh supply. The latest
theories of ventilation lay special stress upon air
movement and temperature regulation, and these are
easily brought about when a fan system is employed.
The main heater may be supplied with any steam
pressure desired, but is usually made to utilize the
exhaust the same as in direct heating. Temperature
regulation may be secured in different ways, the most
common being to shut off a part of the sections or
by-pass a portion of the air around the heater by
means of a special damper provided for this purpose.
ANOTHER ARRANGEMENT
A good arrangement is a combination of these
methods, using the steam valves for rough regula-
tion and the by-pass for the finer changes which
need to be made from hour to hour or at shorter
periods during the day. In many cases the by-pass
damper is operated automatically by a thermostat
placed in the main room of the factory.
In buildings of several stories, or consisting of a
number of rooms or departments requiring different
temperatures, or having different exposures, each
room must be regulated independently. This is or-
dinarily done, within certain limits, by varying the
quantity of warm air admitted to the room, rough
regulation for the entire plant being brought about
by changing the air temperature leaving the main
heater, this being under the control of the engineer.
When conditions are such that the air supply must
not be cut down below a certain minimum, then the
temperature of the room must be regulated inde-
pendently of the air supply. When the system is
arranged for the re-circulation of air, return ducts
should be provided with inlets from different parts
of the room. Otherwise the rotation of air will be
localized in the vicinity of the fan and the circula-
tion in other parts will be weakened. However,
in buildings of medium size, with the warm air well
distributed, return air for re-heating may be drawn
directly into the heater casing, or at least through a
comparatively short duct without interfering seri-
ously with the distribution.
It has been necessary to print Part III of Mr.
Hubbard's article in two sections. Some of the
figures referred to in this section will appear with
the second section in the January 26 issue.
We, therefore, suggest to our readers that, after
reading this first part of the discussion, they save
these pages, and read the ivhole article again when
the next issue appears on January 26. — Editor.
American Industrial Art
THE Fifth Exhibition of American Industrial
Art will continue until January 30 at the
Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is intended to be
a demonstration of the practical or trade value of
an art museum, a proof of the educational use made
of museum objects for the advantage and improve-
ment of current design in many industrial art
branches. Objects and designs have been brought
together which were made for the commercial
market, but which, in a greater or less degree, owe
their conception or method of execution to the study
of museum originals or other resources in allied
departments. An effort has been made to select
examples in varied types of material, form, color,
texture, and technique generally, in widely separated
lines of production, yet all destined for the open
market and all showing that museum study has been
found worth while in terms of the selling product
which results.
Manufacturers are urged to acquaint themselves
with museum resources. Richard F. Bach, Asso-
ciate in Industrial Arts, is ready at all times to assist
manufacturers, designers, artisans, and craftsmen
in objects of industrial art.
75
The Garage Fire Record*
Sprinklers Prove Ability to Extinguish Garage Fires
Tl I K registration of motor vehicles in the
I'nited States has increased from about 48,-
000 in 1906 to 7,565,446 in 1919. The in-
crease from 1915 to 1919 has been 5,200,000. The
number of automobiles manufactured and placed in
service is still increasing in geometrical ratio. In
1919 there was a total increase in registration of 23
per cent., and despite transportation difficulties the
manufacturers' estimates for 1920 indicate the largest
automobile production in the country's history.
FIG. 1. FIRE EXTINGUISHED BY ONE SPRINKLER HEAD, WHICH
WAS STILL OPERATING WHEN THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN
It is a self-evident fact that these automobiles are
accommodated in garages ; that garage construction
has kept pace with the multiplication of the automo-
bile. There are no satisfactory national statistics on
garage construction, but automobiles are too valu-
able to leave in the open exposed to the weather, and
it is reasonable to assume that garage facilities have
increased in proportion to the automobiles. This
mushroom growth of garages continues, unadvertised
and unnoticed by the majority. Unlike housing
construction, it has not been halted by increased
prices or other difficulties. In fact, it is the largely-
held opinion that the automobile and its attendant
extravagances are responsible at least in part for
the present housing shortage. Such statistics as
are available are not inconsistent with this conten-
tion. For example, in one American city for the
first six months of 1920 building permits were issued
as follows : Single houses, 1 ; apartment hou=es 2 •
garages, 114.
October
°f
Fire experience and municipal legislation have
been responsible for great improvements in the mod-
ern garage over the converted livery stable and car-
riage repair shops of ten and fifteen years ago, but
there remain many features requiring further better-
ment. And, with the continuing era of garage con-
struction, there will still be opportunity to incor-
porate the best features in new garages. . .
Gasoline is the inherent, fundamental hazard of
the automobile and its storage and repair. Gasoline
itself is not, properly speaking, a
cause of fire, although it is fre-
quently reported as such. How-
ever, it may be regarded as a
contributory cause in the great
majority of garage fires. For
whatever the primary cause of
fire, gasoline usually is responsible
for its rapid spreading. The
mitigating circumstance is the fact
that the hazard of gasoline is now
fairly well recognized, even if not
fully realized. Large quantities
are not ordinarily present inside
the garage buildings except in
proper containers (if automobile
tanks are considered proper con-
tainers). The quantities present,
although comparatively small, are,
with the inadequate ventilation
usually obtained, amply sufficient to occasion serious
fires. And when a fire is one well under way,
the gasoline tanks are destroyed, contributing their
fuel. * * *
CONSTRUCTION FEATURES
Ventilation is perhaps the most important of all
construction features. With adequate ventilation
explosive gasoline vapors would not collect, and a
large part of the fire hazard would be eliminated.
For a discussion of garage ventilation see Charles
E. Worthington's article, "The Common Sense of
Garages," which appeared in the N. F. P. A.
Quarterly last January.
Modern garage buildings are usually of concrete,
and therefore fire-resistive. But there is a tendency
toward very large areas. Horizontal areas are
usually as large as possible and are in no way
obstructed by partitions, while in the city garage
occupying several floors there is seldom any attempt
made to protect vertical openings. Although seldom
used in garages, fire doors can give, and have given,
76
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
excellent accounts of themselves in the journal of
fire experience.
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS
Claims have sometimes been made that the garage
hazard is too severe for ordinary automatic sprinkler
protection, and that application of water is likely to
spread the fire by floating burning gasoline. Records
show no basis for such opinion. In the files of the
National Fire Protection Association there are re-
ports of 134 fires occurring in sprinklered garages.
The accompanying table shows that of the 134 there
were only four failures, making a total of 130 fires,
or 97.1 per cent., where the operation of the
sprinklers were satisfactory. This compares favor-
ably with a general average of 95.7 per cent, for all
class of occupancy. Of the four failures, two were
due to water shut off sprinklers and two due to
obstructions to distribution. A review of all the
garage fire reports in the files of the National
Fire Protection Association has failed to disclose
any instance in which burning gasoline was spread
by water from sprinklers.
The accompanying photographs (Figs. 1 and 2)
contrast the results of fire in sprinklered and un-
sprinklered garages. In the first case (Fig. 1), one
sprinkler operated and extinguished and confined the
fire to the car in which it started. Mr. H. L. Miner
reports :
Fire occurred in a one-story frame garage SO by 100
feet in area, which contained twelve automobiles.
Garage was locked up Saturday afternoon. Monday
morning, when next visited, it was found that fire had
occurred in one of the automobiles, cause unknown,
possibly due to defective electrical
system, or possibly from a smoulder-
ing fire due to smoking in the
upholstery of the car. One auto-
matic sprinkler to all appearances
opened promptly and, although top
of car was raised, thereby intro-
ducing considerable obstruction to
distribution, the automatic sprinkler
entirely extinguished the fire. Five
feet from the automobile was a tank
of compressed acetylene gas, also
an oxygen tank. Photographs shows
position of car in garage and oxygen
and acetylene tanks referred to
above. The automatic sprinkler was
still operating when this photograph
was taken^ This is really a remark-
able demonstration showing the
effectiveness of automatic sprinkler
protection, even though the sprink-
lers are working under a serious
handicap.
Figure 2 shows what recently
happened in an unsprinkled garage
in Yakima, Washington. Note that
the building had brick walls —
incombustible outside walls, to the ignorant, give the
all too frequent impression that a building is "fire-
proof." Mr. John Perry reports that thirty machines
were destroyed, with an estimated loss on building
and contents of $88,000, and considerable damage
to adjoining buildings not included in this figure.
TABLE OF LOSSES ON GARAGE FIRES,
NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION
ASSOCIATION RECORDS.
Sprinklered : No. of Fires.
*Small 134
Large —
134
Unsprinklered :
Small 250
Large 129
Total
379
513
*Small loss is under $5,000.
The Table of Losses, showing a fairly large pro-
portion of large losses in unsprinklered garage fires,
while in sprinklered buildings, of the 134 fires on re-
cord there are no losses over $5,000, is another rather
convincing argument for the sprinkler.
FIG. 2. A RECENT UNSPRINKLERED GARAGE FIRE IN
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
Contrast this fire, w
one spr
here thirty machines were destroyed, with that shown in Fig. 1, where
inkier head confined the fire to the car where it originated.
77
Relative Heat Conductivities of Some
Building Materials
Results That Represent What May Be Expected Under Actual
Service Conditions
THE Verona Chemical Company of North
Newark, N. J., has been conducting an inves-
tigation to determine by the air box method
the relative heat conductivities of building materials.
The tests of the different materials were conducted
under identical conditions as nearly as was possible.
A number of cube-shaped boxes were constructed
of the different materials of practically the same
dimensions which were approximately 8" x 8" x 8"
inside. The thickness of the walls was about one
inch. An electric lamp was used as a heating
element inside these boxes. The electric current was
regulated by a rheostat and measured by accurate
voltmeter and ammeter.
MEASUREMENTS OF TEMPERATURES
The temperature inside was measured by two
thermometers and outside by three thermometers
and these thermometers were placed in the same rel-
ative position on each testing box.
The testing apparatus was set up in the basement
of the laboratory, where the room temperature was
fairly constant. No readings were taken during the
first twenty-four hours in order to allow time for all
conditions to reach an equilibrium. After this,
readings were taken about every two hours.
The conductivities "K" as shown in the accom-
panying table in B. T. U. were calculated from the
formula :
3.415 X B X W
K = -
12 X A X (T-t)
where "B" is the thickness of the walls in inches;
"A" is area in sq. ft., "W" is the watts from the
voltmeter and ammeter readings; and "T-t" is the
difference between the inside and outside tempera-
tures as indicated by the thermometers. Area "A"
was considered to be the mean between the inside
area and the outside area of the box. The thermal
conductivity so measured represents the quantity of
heat expressed in B. T. U., that flows through one
square foot unit area of plates, through a unit thick-
ness of one foot having a unit difference of 1 deg.
Fahrenheit between its faces.
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
The results thus obtained cannot be accurately
compared with results of similar tests made under
different conditions, because the conductivity "K"
found in this way is not the heat transmitted only
through the tested material of the thickness "B." It
is the heat which passes also through the layer of air
from the inside thermometer bulb to the wall, hence
through the wall, and thence from the outside of the
wall to the outside thermometer bulb.
The results will be different from results of tests
where air contact has been excluded. They will also
be different from tests, where fans or other devices
have been used to keep the air in motion, thereby
diminishing the resistance to the heat entering into
the wall of the material to be tested. Inasmuch as
the figures are arrived at under the conditions under
which the materials are used ordinarily in building
construction, they will give a good idea of the rela-
tive values of heat conductivity of the different ma-
terials tested.
Material.
Concrete, 1 cement: 2 sand.
RESULTS OF THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTS.
Box Walls, Electric
inside mean
dimen- thick- Mean Volume Weight Spec,
sions, ness. area, box, box, grav-
ins. ins. sq. ft. cu. ins. Ibs.
Gypsum board ......................... R&8K VA
Porete reinforced with exp. metal ..... S'Ax&% I1/,,
Yellow pine, North Carolina ............ 8Vwx8VM 1 «/«
Air cell, asbestos board ................ 8x8x8J4 Itf
Cork-board ............................... 8x8x8 ^
3.612
3.619
3.564
3.541
3.530
618
588
546
558
572
566
45.63
21.25
19.40
12.88
4.40
3.83
ity.
2.01
1.00
0.98
0.64
0.21
0.187
Weight
current
Mean
Mean
per
cu. ft.,
con-
sumed,
inside
temper.
outside Temper
temper, diff..
. Heat
conduct-
Ibs.
watts.
Fahr.
Fahr.
Fahr.
ivity.
128
49.0
107.2
81.2
26.0
0.1760
62.5
31.6
115.7
82.7
33.0
0.0846
61
44.5
131.5
88.1
43.4
0.0786
40
50.5
145.5
83.7
61.8
0.0719
13
29.7
156.0
78.0
78.0
0.0335
11.7
6.82
94.9
72.2
22.7
0.0277
78
Current News
Happenings and Comments in the Field of Architecture
and the Allied Arts
Better Distribution of Aliens
Aim of New Bureau
Through the establishment of a new bureau at
Ellis Island, New York, in charge of economic and
linguistic experts, better distribution of aliens, par-
ticularly with a view to avoidance of their congestion
in large centers of population, is to be sought. The
census this year reveals a tendency of the general
population to flock to cities, and the new bureau,
through its co-operation with state authorities, hopes
to gain a much better distribution of aliens through
rural communities.
The new bureau is to be known as the Division of
Immigration Distribution and its chief, according
to Immigration Commissioner F. A. Wallis, will
probably be P. A. Donohue, an economic expert from
the U. S. Department of Labor. Mr. Donohue has
been a member of several boards of inquiry at Ellis
Island, and it is believed he will be well fitted for his
new position through his war work for the Federal
Employment Bureau.
Prehistoric Village Found
Discovery of the ruins of a prehistoric village and
cemetery, in which were many relics of great value,
in the Navajo country in New Mexico, has been
announced by the American Museum of Natural
History. The discovery was made by an exploration
party headed by Earl H. Morris.
Fragments of polished pottery, glistening in the
sun, led the party "by mere chance" to the new dis-
covery. Mr. Morris wrote to headquarters here.
Hundreds of pottery vessels of artistic design and
scores of ancient tombs, which revealed many inter-
esting habits of living, were unearthed, he said.
"There had been more than twenty dwellings in
the village," he said, "varying in size from four to
as many as fifty rooms."
In Prague
In Czechoslovakia, the system of locking up a
house is very peculiar. There are usually two very
inferior locks on an outside door, which is further
fastened on the inside with a small chain. The chain
is considered necessary, because anyone who has a
dozen or so keys could go about and unlock most
of the doors in the street. The keys are always large
and unwieldly things, frequently 5 or 6 inches long.
There would be some local conservatism to combat
in attempting to introduce a really good spring lock,
but there is no doubt that they are much needed.
Furthermore, there will soon be a great deal of build-
ing in Czechoslovakia, especially in and about Prague.
The needs of the rapidly growing city have not been
satisfied by the existing office and- dwelling accom-
modations, and building has been at a standstill for
several years. It is now beginning to revive.
Pennsylvania Academy Annual Exhi-
bition Announced
The 116th annual exhibition of the Pennsylvania
Academy of Fine Arts will open to the public on
Sunday, Feb. 6, 1921. It will close on March 27.
Press view and varnishing day will be Saturday,
Feb. 5. The reception and private view will be
given in the evening of the same date. The Artists'
Evening will be held on Feb. 12.
The usual long list of prizes, medals, etc., is an-
nounced. The honors include the Academy gold
medal of honor, the Temple fund and gold metal,
the Edward T. Stotesbury prize of $1,000, the
Walter Lippincott prize of $300, the Philadelphia
prize of $250, the Mary Smith prize of $100, the
Jennie Sesnan gold medal endowed by Elizabeth
W. Roberts, the Carol H. Beck gold medal, the Lam-
bert fund and the George D. Widener memorial
medal.
The members of the jujry are: Robert Vonnoh,
chairman ; Cecilia Beaux, Frank W. Benson, Hugh
H. Breckenriclge, Adelaide Cole Chase, William J.
Glackens, William M. Paxton, William Ritschel,
Robert Spencer, Helen M. Turner, Carroll S. Tyson,
Jr., A. Stirling Calder, Charles Grafly and Albert
Laessle.
Famous Workhouse Closes
St. George's workhouse, just south of London
bridge, where Oliver Twist had the audacity to ask
for a second helping of thin gruel, has been closed
by the poor law authorities and the inmates have
been transferred elsewhere. The gruel, of which
Dickens' child hero and his fellow sufferers partook,
was made in a copper cauldron, which is to be pre-
sented to the Southmark Borough Council's museum.
79
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Gobelin Works Admit Women
For the first time since the famous Gobelin tapes-
try works were established in France, back in 1664,
women are now being taught to make tapestries.
Danes Erect Obelisk
An obelisk of granite 70 feet high is to be erected
in Denmark as a memorial to the many thousands of
American and Allied soldiers of Danish descent who
died in the World War. It has been estimated that
about 30,000 men of Danish blood fought in the
American armies in France and that about 20,000
Danes fought in the Canadian, Australian British
and French armies.
The proposed obelisk will rest on a base twelve
feet high, on one side of which will be two women's
figures, one elderly, the other young, both with
slightly bowed heads, expressing the sorrow of the
motherland and her emigrant daughter for those
who died in war. On another side will be an Amer-
ican eagle with the Star Spangled Banner, and in
addition there will be bas-reliefs of typical war
scenes from the American and Allied fronts.
Bridge Resists Floods for Ages
In Foochow, China, the city of the white pagoda,
is the "Bridge of Ten Thousand Ages." Endless
time and labor must have been expended on the
bridge, which is one thousand years old, states a
report in the Chicago News. It is all of granite, each
stone roughly carved to fit its neighbor without a bit
of mortar and to resist the river in flood and ebb.
The massive piers, ten feet thick, piles of rough
hewed stone, are like inverted pyramids, buttressed
on the river sides and on the inner sides, each layer
pf rock extending a foot beyond the layer below.
Twenty feet is the widest span between any pair of
the seventy-five piers and nothing wider than a sam-
pan or raft passes on the turgid Min river.
Immense slabs of .granite are the spans between
the piers. Countless silken slippers, bare feet of
chair bearers and straw sandals of sweating coolies
have worn the surface smooth, while grass and wild
shrubbery grow in the crevices of the piers and
around the carved lions and dragons on the posts of
the ponderous stone handrail. The roadway is no
wider than an automobile.
But this picturesque bridge is to be replaced by
a grim structure of steel— for automobiles, carriages
and trucks and broad roads from the country have
jome to Foochow. The shifting bed of the muddy
Km IS to be dredged and ocean steamers will come
to the city, instead of anchoring fourteen miles
below.
Reconstruction in Belgium
Of all the warring countries in Europe none have
returned to their pre-war activities in a measure com-
parable to Belgium, according to recent Commerce
Reports. When the armistice was signed the country
found itself with a third of its factories ruined. In
transportation essentials, 2,000 kilometers ( 1 ,250
miles) of railroads, 1,800 bridges, and 600 kilo-
meters of canals had been destroyed, 60,000 rail-
road cars and 2,500 locomotives taken by the ( ler-
mans, and the telegraph and telephone systems
ruined.
Progress made in the past 18 months toward re-
construction is so phenomenal that within the next
six months all pre-war industries excepting steel
plants will have attained, where they do not already
exceed, the production of pre-war years.
Practically all railway trains in the country are
running on pre-war schedules, the roadbeds and
bridges having been for the most part repaired or
reconstructed.
Agricultural activity commenced immediately after
armistice was signed, with the result that crops pro-
duced in 1919 fully equalled those of 1913. As an
evidence of the intensity with which Belgians applied
themselves to work, it is interesting to note that, on
the termination of war, there were upward of 800,-
000 persons receiving chomage (unemployment
wage), while at present the number has been re-
duced to less than 200,000.
Much of this remarkable progress is due to the
activity of the Recuperation Committee which has
succeeded in recovering most of the machinery taken
away by the Germans.
Reconstruction has been but little handicapped by
the few strikes occurring, and there is little or no
spirit of Bolshevism among the inhabitants.
Personals
McCluer & Griffith, architects, formerly Dexter
& McCluer, are now operating at 401 Canby Build-
ing, Dayton, O. Mr. Dexter has retired from the
firm.
A. H. Ebeling, architect, has moved his office from
1106 West Fifteenth street, Davenport, la., to 818-9
Kahl Building, that city.
The K. L. Hullsick Company, architecture and
engineering, has opened an office at 400 Flatiron
Building, Norfolk, Va.
A. E. Norman, architect, formerly located at 1526
Devon avenue, Chicago, 111., is now practicing
1531 Devon avenue, that city.
80
Weekly Review of the Construction Field
With Reports of Special Correspondents in Regional Centers
NOTHING is worse than the hypocritical
optimist.
The fellow who shouts optimism from the house-
tops and tells the truth in the secret places is the
most dangerous factor in any industrial community.
If a market for a given commodity is weak, and con-
tinues to be weak, it does no good, and much harm,
to insist that "conditions are improving" and "are
better." No harm comes from telling an industrial
truth. The leaders in industry and finance are lead-
ers because of their foresight. That is their stock in
trade. Upon that their present and future business
reputations rest and always will rest. They can no
more risk injury to it than an architect can risk in-
jury to his reputation by insisting that an unsafe
building is safe.
It was for precisely that reason that this journal
published the opinions of prominent industrial and
financial leaders regarding the future of both indus-
try and finance. When men such as Judge Gary,
Daniel Guggenheim, and Francis H. Sisson speak of
the near future with confidence, one may rest assured
that there is little to worry about the fundamental
soundness of that future. It is petty and of no use
to point to existing conditions as arguments again.,t
the optimistic opinions of these men. Their present
importance and value in the, industrial scheme was
achieved by the keenest sort of foresight. It is as
keen today as it ever was. Perhaps even keener.
Upon what do these men base their optimism ?
Such a question may seem a bit incongruous after
granting them a sort of foresight not possessed by
the average man. There is no way of knowing upon
what they have based their opinions. But there are
salient facts in the industrial situation — the price
problem, for example — which could be taken as a
basis for industrial optimism by any man possessed
of common sense and that sort of reasoning power
which sees more than the printed word or price.
The table shown below represents wholesale com-
modity prices for 17 commodities which have been
chosen for their representative character and their
relation to fundamental business conditions. The
figures were compiled by the National Bank of Com-
merce in New York, and are but a small part of a
chart presented by that bank in its January house
5.25
6.60
Commodity. Jan.
CATTLE—
Fair to choice native steers, Chi-
cago1 14.05
COAL, —
Anthracite, No. 1 buckwheat, f.
o. b. lower ports, N. Y2
Anthracite, stove, f. o. b. mine2
Bituminous, run of mine, t. o. b.
mine Fairmont, W. Va2 2.80
Pittsburgh District2 2.35
COPPEK — Electrolytic, early de-
livery, New York' 19.25
CORN— No. 2 mixed, Chicago* 1.49
COTTON —
Middling, spot, New Orleans3. ..40.25
HIDES—
Green salted packers, No. 1 heavy
native steers, Chicago3 40
Calfskins, No. 1, Chicago city3.. 80
HOGS — Good merchantable—pigs &
rough stock excluded, Chicago1.. 14.70
IRON and STEEL
Pig iron, basic, Valley furnace2. 37 .00
Steel billets, open hearth, Pitts-
burgh2 45.00
LEAD — Pig, early delivery, N. Y.3 8.75
PETROLEUM — Crude, at well
Pennsylvania" 5.00
Kansas-Oklahoma5 3.00
lit msKK —
Plantation, first latex crepe, N.Y/1 .53%
Para, upriver line, New York8... .49
SILK— Shinshiu No. 1, New York0. 16.25
SPELTER — Prime western, early
delivery, St. Louis3 9.10
SUGAR— 96° centrifugal, N. Y3 13.04
SULPHURIC ACID — 66° Be., bulk,
sellers' tank cars, East'n points7. 20.00
WHEAT —
No. 1 northern spring, Chicago*. 3.10
No. 2 red winter. Chicago4 2,65
WOOL— Clean basis, Boston
Ohio fine delaine" 2.30
Ohio Vi blood9 1.07
Feb. Mar. Apr.
13.35 13.30 13.90
iaao — — > 1914
May. June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan.
' 12.30 15.90 15.50 14.85 15.50 14.70 11.25 9.50 8.6U
5.50
6.60
2.80
235
18.50
1.43
6.00
6.60
2.80
2.35
18.00
1.46
5.75
6.60
4.25
4.25
18.75
1.68
5.75
7.70
5.50
5.25
6.30
7.50
9.50
8.50
6.50
7.05
12.00
10.00
6.50
7.75
12.00
11.00
8.00
8.00
10.75
9.00
8.00
8.00
10.75
9.00
8.00
8.00
5.50
5.00
8.00
8.00
4.00
3.75
18.37% 17.87 18.75 18.62% 18.12% 16.25 14.50 13.75
2.15 1.82 1.52% 1.60 1.37% .95 .83% .72
2.25
4.00
.85
1.30
14.12'/2
.62%
39.25 41.00 41.50 40.25 40.75 39.00 34.50 28.50 20.25 18.25 14.75 12.88
40
70
37
50
.35
55
36
50
35
35
30
35
28
27%
28
28
25
18
23
18
20
15
17%
21
14.80
14.95
15.10
14.50
14,80
14.80
15.05
16.20
14.90
12.60
9.10
8.25
43.00
41.00
42.00
43.00
43.50
46.00
48.50
48.50
46.00
38.50
33.00
12.50
58.00
9.00
60.00
9.37%
65.00
9.00
65.00
8.50
65.00
8.65
65.00
8.60
60.00
9.25
60.00
8.00
55.00
7.60
50.00
6.60
5.00
4.75
20.00
4.10
5.50
3.00
6.10
3.50
6.10
3.50
6.10
3.50
6.10
3.50
6.10
3.50
6.10
3.50
6.10
3.50
6.10
3.50
6.10
3.50
6.10
3.50
2.50
1.03
.48
.45%
14.80
.48%
.42
13.65
.45
.42
11.70
.38
.39%
8.15
.38
-37%
6.50
.33
.34%
6.50
.31%
32%
5.40
.25
.27
6.25
.24
.24%
6.40
.20
.22
6.30
.17%
.19^4
6.20
.56
.73
3.80
8.70
12.04
8.60
11.54
8.45
18.56
7.75
21.57
7.50
19.56
7.85%
18.31
8.00
13.04
7.75
10.78
7.30
8.03
6.37%
6.51
5.75
4.63
5.10
3.29
20.00 20.00 20.00 21.00 22.00 22.00 22.00 22.00 22.00 21.00 20.00
2.22% 1.88% 1.61%
2.39 2.11% 2.00
2.55
2.40
2.35
1.05
2.60
2.47
2.35
1.05
2.95
2.75
2.35
1.10
3.30
3.06
2.25
1.00
2.95
2.95
2.95
2.85
2.66
2.56
2.46
2.49
l.S'i
.80
1.74
.79
1.65
.75
1.50
.70
1.30
.60
1.25
.57
1.12
.45
.91%
.96%
.56
.39
dollars per 100 Ibs. 2Dollars per gross ton. "Cents per
per net ton.
Ib. 'Dollars per bu. "Dollars per bbl. 'Dollars per Ib. 'Dollars
81
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
organ. Any architect would profit considerably in
a careful study of that chart. There is a great busi-
ness sermon in it.
The writer would respectfully direct attention to a
careful comparison of the prices for the commodities
indicated in January, 1914, and December, 1920.
Also to a careful comparison of the prices from
January, 1920, to the end of the year.
And next week there will be considerably more to
say about them. It would be a good idea to keep
this issue at hand or to clip this chart. You will
have occasion to refer to it frequently. It will be
taken as a basis for a series of price discussions, the
first of which, "The Architect's Relation to Price De-
clines," will appear in this department in the issue of
January 26.
(Special Correspondence to THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT)
SEATTLE. — Optimism, effervescent or otherwise,
is not responsible for the brighter feeling in Pacific
Coast business circles regarding the sudden change
in mental posture toward reconstruction of buying
for new commitments early in 1921. Lumber is be-
lieved to be at bottom from the fact that wholesalers
have begun to buy. jobbers of building hardware are
preparing to buy on the new price list reached when
the independents shrunk away the premiums of war-
time and touched the Steel Corporation levels, there
is accumulating evidence of the return of confidence
of buyers to building materials, and the farthest pos-
sible date at which resumption is now placed by many
of the keenest minds in this territory is March 1, with
proportionate symptoms of recovery during January.
There is no doubt whatever that during early De-
cember not a jobber in a hundred would have claimed,
excepting for public consumption, that the coast con-
ditions could change before midsummer. Revision of
figures with the conclusion of stock-taking, increased
inquiries with architects, larger activity of public
building construction and homes, conviction that steel
products cun go no lower until after the 1921 place-
ments have been cleared are factors that have built
up the new atmosphere overnight. This feeling is
increasing hourly.
Concededly among jobbers, with the facts at hand
rather than sentiment or personal opinion, the New
Year will be a buyers' and not an order-book year,
and the educational trend and activity of selling or-
ganizations in building lines is being shaped to that
end. Men in the field are being warned that now,
as at no time since 1914, they will be expected to
move rapidly and to meet keen competition for busi-
ness, even to searching out the long-neglected and
insular buyers. The old-time zest of getting orders
has started.
Jobbers of building hardware, nails, sheets and
pipe are today buying only light in order to ride out
the earlier pauses during January, but as for accept-
ing the Steel Corporation basis as fundamental and
not subject to further change during this year, the
thing is as good as done, and the jobbing trade feels
its position secure when treating problems of the
new building season.
The factor that has held off buying during the
past 30 days, when delivery from the mills has come
nearly to normal, is the dumping on the market by
shipyards of pipe, bar, cleats, rivets, bolts and pipe,
larger sizes predominating. These huge stocks, ac-
cumulated during the speed-up war period, are being
offered under the market as the shipyards that bought
them are being dismantled. The jobbing trade doe;
not feel justified in buying even on the sound steel
market when all these stocks are lying round loo.-e
at the mercy of any chance speculator.
There is on the coast today no shortage of build-
ing essentials. Cement, probably the last to show
normal conditions, is being supplied in sufficient
quantities to meet the needs of the hour. None care
to accumulate stocks for the next 30 days.
Fully 50 per cent, of the fir lumber mills that
closed for the holidays, supposedly for an indefinite
time, will be in operation by January 15. Many re-
opened before New Year's day. A decline of a dol-
lar in common dimension, or to $13.50 to the trade
this week had been discounted in advance, and this,
it is now felt certain, will be the last fall in prices for
some time.
Wholesalers believe the time is ripe for buying,
and will start doing so during January. Should a
drop of another dollar occur, as a minority now pre-
dicts, wholesale buyers say it will only be necessary
to hold their purchases past the next soft spot in
order to realize a profit. Their conviction that re-
covery in the lumber market is now due is their foun-
dation for proposed buying activity.
(Special Correspondence to THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT)
CHICAGO, Jan. 17. — It is becoming increasingly ap-
parent that the only obstacle in the path of a great
building revival in the Chicago district is the matter
of price on lumber, labor and materials. And it is
not so much a question of the actual cost as of the
uncertainty now attending the whole price situation.
Those who contemplate building, whether they be in-
dividuals or corporations, are apparently hesitating
because they have no way of judging the stability of
prices at this time and do not desire to make a build-
ing investment that will be periled by early and more
substantial declines in the cost of everything that
goes into the finished building.
If this fog of uncertainty and distrust can be lifted,
there is no reason — in the view of the best posted
men in the building industry in Chicago — why the
82
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
building- pi ogram, so long talked of, cannot be suc-
cessfully instituted at once.
Cost alone is holding back the bandwagon. Plans
have been made ; the need is very great, the money is
available — only the indecision of the market in con-
struction materials remains the unknown factor in the
building equation.
Frankly, there is a feeling on the part of those who
are about to invest in new construction work that
prices have not yet dropped sufficiently and that a
little waiting will bring the market to much lower
levels.
Lumber, labor and the minor materials have been
accused of attempting to take a small loss with such
loud acclaim and such a blare of trumpets that the
public will immediately assume that the rock bottom
has been reached and that there is nothing more to
expect in the way of price reduction.
The public, however, declines to take this point of
view, and the psychological effect is to produce a buy-
er's strike which is just as keenly felt in the building
trades as in shoes or ships or sealing wax, or any
other of the lines that have suddenly slowed up as
far as consumer demand is concerned.
The foregoing represents the darker side of the
situation, but let a brighter point of view be unfolded.
The interests whose prosperity is gauged by the
amount of building have seen the light and are now
bringing themselves together with a view to settling
the market and of laying the ghost of price uncer-
tainty, once and for all.
The first step in this direction was taken in the
Chicago territory by Edward Hines, a prominent
lumber manufacturer, whose business sagacity and
foresight have made him a leading figure in the lum-
ber industry. Sensing this watchful waiting attitude
on the part of the building public, he called a confer-
ence of lumber manufacturers from all parts of the
country. They met in Chicago, January 5-6, and
made a hasty summary of the situation, deciding in
very short order that the lumber industry alone can-
not swing the pendulum of price back to a normal
stability. To the end that the mists of indecision may
be cleared away, however, the lumber interests have
called another conference — this to be held in Chi-
cago January 21-22, at which all factors in the build-
ing materials field will be represented. Here all the
manufacturers whose products go into the building
industry will sit down in a heart-to-heart fashion in
order to bring about as complete a clarification of
price as is now possible.
At this conference lumber manufacturers, retail
and wholesale lumbermen, manufacturers of paint,
cement, stone, granite, building metals, shingles,
laths, lime, gypsum, glass, brick, sand and gravel —
every line in the building list will be present and the
whole building impasse will be thoroughly considered,
with price of materials as the crux of the whole con-
ference.
That the meeting is going to be an Armageddon
of disputatious views is thoroughly expected. Each
trade is going to point out the utter impossibility of a
further decline in its product, but out of the whole
mass of conflicting opinion seems sure to come a
concord of action that may give the desired result
of stability of prices.
Labor is not going to share very prominently in
the conference, but the element of labor is bound to
come in for a great deal of discussion, and the gen-
eral feeling is that the industry is going to be much
nearer a normal basis of opinion after the meeting
than is now the case.
Not content with engineering a general conference
on the building situation, the lumber manufacturers,
acting in concert with the National Lumber Manu-
facturers' Association, have recently sent a delegation
of their leaders to Marion, where a conference was
granted by President-elect Harding. The committee
was given a two hours' audience, during which the
side of the lumber industry in the housing shortage
and the willingness of that industry to co-operate in
a return to normalcy were presented to Senator
Harding.
No program of tangible facts was presented at the
Marion conference, and President-elect Harding did
not express his views upon the pros and cons of the
building situation, but he asked a great many ques-
tions indicating his very great interest and his anxi-
ety to be thoroughly posted on the technical points
of the discussion.
Another tangible result of the conference of the
lumber interests recently held in Chicago is the an-
nouncement that a fund is to be raised within the in-
dustry to advertise lumber and its uses and to build
up in the public mind the feeling of confidence that
the industry is not attempting to impose unreason-
able prices on lumber.
Another meeting of unusual interest is that of the
Associated Building Contractors of Illinois, held in
Chicago during the second week in January.
Although the week has been marked by meetings,
conferences and discussions of lower prices for lum-
ber and materials, the prices remain virtually un-
changed.
Materials linger at old figures, with business very
quiet, but with the factors in the trade quite hope-
ful as to the outcome.
Some reductions are in contemplation, it is said.
Mixed paints are expected to show an early decline,
following a cent a pound reduction in all leads, an-
nounced this week by leading manufacturers. Cur-
rent lumber and materials quotations in the Chicago
market are:
Yellow Pine:— B. & B. 1 in., $95 to $130; 13-16,
S3
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
3'4 flat flooring, $85 to $90; 2 by 4, 10 to 16 feet,
No. 1 long leaf, $51 ; 2 x 6, $48 to $49; 2 x 8, $49
1, i S50 ; 2 by 10, $52 to $54 ; 2 by 12, $54 and $56.
Northern Hardwoods, carload lots, Chicago:
liirdi, four '4 No. 1 and 2, $155; select, $130 to
$138 ; No. 1 common, $95 to $100; No. 2 common,
$60 to $65 ; No. 3, $35 to $40.
1 lard .Maple, four */4 No. 1-2, $135 to $140; select,
$115 to $120; No. 1 common, $95 to $100; No. 2,
$60 to $65 ; No. 3, $32 to $50.
Red gum four % No. 1 and 2, $148 to $152;
No. 1 common, $88 to $92 ; No. 2, $43 to $47. .
Birch, four y4 No. 1 and 2, $155 to $160; select,
$130 to $139; No. 1 common, $95 to $100; No.
2, $60 to $65 ; No. 3, $35 to $40.
Douglas fir, 12 by 12, No. 1 up to 32 feet, $65 to
$75 ; 14 by 14, $68 to $75 ; 16 by 16, $70 to $75 ;
18 by 18, $75 to $80.
Cement :— Universal, $3; Lehigh, $3.00; Portland,
$3.00.
Bulk lime, $1.70 to $1.90; face brick, octagons,
$68 to $75; fire brick, $32 to $40; 12 in. .24 to .27,
18 in. .46 to .54.
Crushed stone gravel $3.40 to $4; lake and bank
sand-torpedo, $3.40 to $4.
Present important building operations in Chicago :
Federal Reserve Bank Building; excavation and
preliminary foundation work well along; Royal In-
surance Building; three theatre buildings in the
Loop; Chicago Board of Education Building; Gov-
ernment Parcel Post Station ; and the Fair's nineteen
story building on Monroe Street.
The last three represent an outlay of nearly $5,-
000,000.
(Special Correspondence to THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT)
BOSTON, Jan. 17.- — If one were asked to name the
outstanding features of the business situation in
New England today he would be obliged to mention
all those facts in our industrial life which come under
the head of business readjustment. There is the
slowing up in industrial and commercial activity as
reflected in reduced railroad earnings, steadily de-
creasing bank clearings and increasing unemploy-
ment. Many plants in such centers as Bridgeport,
Waterbury, Providence, Fall River and Holyoke are
carrying a pay roll of one-third to one-half the
amounts of four months ago. In the early months
of 1920 clearings were running 25 to 30 per cent,
ahead of the same months of last year. Recently
they have in turn revealed a falling off of 10 to 14
per cent, compared with a year ago.
A 22l/2 per cent, cut in textile wages in New Eng-
land was announced this week. In the steel trade,
which so far has not cut wages, reduction is in the
making.
The so-called consumer's strike will undoubtedly
be called off as soon as there is any evidence that
commodity prices have again reached a more stable
basis. There does not seem to be as much quarrel
today with the level of prices as there is in regard
to the uncertainty as to whether the decline in com-
modity prices is over. For instance,' no one will say
that the fall in copper prices from 36 cents in the
war period to 13% cents has not been sufficiently
drastic. But no one wishes to do much buying a:
long as the trend of prices is downward and not up-
ward.
The Harvard University committee on economic
research says : "Evidence of approaching business re-
vival are not yet apparent in the news of the day,
nor do we expect to see any very soon. There are
considerations, however, which support the forecast
drawn from our index chart that a revival of busi-
ness will begin next spring, one being the fact that
a number of raw materials, such as cotton, wool and
leather, are selling much below recent costs of pro-
duction and probably below costs that will rule next
year, even with considerably reduced wages ; another
being the fact that the physical production, both
mining and manufacturing, was less in 1919 and
1920 than in 1916, 1917 or 1918.
"Both of these considerations support the forecast
that there will be a recovery in some prices at no di s-
tant date."
Statistics of building and engineering operations
show that contracts awarded in New England from
Jan. 1 to Dec. 15, 1920, amounted to $297,733,962,
as compared with $235,356,000 in 1919; $146,703,-
000 in 1918; $195,443,000 in 1917; $201,259,000 in
1916; $171,820,000 in 1915, and $159,280,000 in
1914 for a corresponding period.
84
<^i ?0.>:
A FRENCH ROMANESQUE DOORWAY
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
VOL. CXIX
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1921
NUMBER 2353
A Side Trip in Building
By THOMAS CRANE YOUNG
IN view of the fact that economic conditions have
for the present combined to block all manner
of construction, any proposed addition to the list
of building material which may become generally
available should receive thoughtful consideration.
No known material is more equably distributed by
nature over the surface of the globe than common
earth, but few people now believe that in its crude
state it can be made of practicable use for building
purposes. Modern science has ignored the subject
and the modern house builder has made no use of it
First Course — Shows form in place and filled with tamped earth
EARTH HOUSE, ST. LOUIS, MO.
THOMAS CRANE YOUNG, ARCHITECT
whatever, perhaps because manufactured products
have been easy to get and cheap. Earth building is
a forgotten art, yet history tells of its use, extending
far back into the early centuries of civilization. In
our day, war has forced back again into modern life
many of the conditions and cruder customs usual
only in a more primitive social state, and so perhaps
a revival of this ancient practice may prove of use in
solving some of our new and pressing housing prob-
lems.
Our country contains (mostly in the western
states) many picturesque examples of earth build-
ing, or "adobe," made from puddled clay and straw,
moulded into blocks and dried in the sun; these
blocks are then laid in the wall like ordinary mason-
ry. Usually "adobe" walls are covered by a protec-
tive coat of plaster, although frequently they may be
seen standing and useful without covering of any
kind.
About one year ago an article appeared in an Eng-
lish illustrated journal called "The Sphere," which
contained a description of "Pise' de Terre" masonry
and claimed that substantial walls could be built by
simply ramming nearly dry earth between two forms
made of boards. These forms were described as of
standard size, about ten feet long and three feet wide,
and when tamped full, the forms could then be
moved along horizontally and another section of wall
laid in the same manner. Other courses could be
laid by placing the same form on top of that part of
the wall already built, and the process continued.
Since the publication of an article on earth walls
Shows completed walls ready for roof and finishing coat of plaster
EARTH HOUSE, ST. LOUIS, MO.
THOMAS CRANE YOUNG, ARCHITECT
in the Literary Digest some months ago, very many
letters have been received expressing interest in the
subject and for the most part earnestly requesting
further information. One writer from Foochow,
China, is, however, entirely skeptical as to the value
of earth for building. He states that "mud" hovels
are common in many parts of China, but they are
uniformly insanitary and insecure when subject to
heavy rains or floods. In this he is no doubt quite
Copyright, 1921, The Architectural A Building Press (Inc.)
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
correct, but our material is not "mud, and it must
be remembered that similar conditions exist frequent-
ly when more expensive materials are used. Another,
calling himself an "agricultural missionary," writing
from Portuguese South Africa, says that if a practi-
cable way of building with earth could be found, it
would solve one of their most serious problems
Similar letters have come from Canada, Mexico and
used in testing cement. These specimens developed
a tensile strength of from 80 Ibs. to 125 Ibs. per sq.
inch after six days' seasoning in the form. A test
for compression developed a strength of 125 Ibs. per
square inch. Later on, a small "cube" of earth used
in the little building illustrated, failed under com-
pression at 473 Ibs. per square inch after forty-two
hours' seasoning.
!50.", /IEW
•
•
EARTH HOUSE, ST. LOUIS, MO.
THOMAS CRANE YOUNG, ARCHITECT
many parts of the United States, all tending to show
a very general desire for simpler and less costly
methods of building than those commonly in use.
However, it seemed highly improbable that earth
could be compacted by hand sufficiently to stand in a
wall until the result of a few experiments had been
obtained, made with dry earth tamped into "bri-
quette" form, and tested in the manner customarily
Of course, these few tests are of no scientific
value, but may serve, perhaps, to indicate the desira-
bility of a more thorough investigation of the physi-
cal properties of compressed earth by qualified ex-
perts.
But if such walls as these had been successfully
used at one time they could be in another, and the
evidence seemed to justify the making of an experi-
86
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
ment in actual construction at the first opportunity.
Fortunately, there was little difficulty in persuading
the superintendent of the David Rankin, Jr., School
of Mechanical Trades to permit the attempt to erect
with earth masonry a small building for the storage
of oil and gasoline on the school premises. While
this building was to be only ten feet by thirteen feet
in plan, it must be roofed and provided with a door
and wjndow and so would possess most of the ele-
ments of a larger house.
This experiment has convinced the author that
earth may be used successfully for the walls of small
dwellings, for farm buildings, for fences and garden
walls or similar purposes — possibly for army canton-
ments. But the application of this or any new sys-
tem of construction to actual use will no doubt entail
considerable preliminary study of building processes
and may require some slight modification of the usual
forms of architectural details.
There are many advantages that would follow a
more general use of earth construction, not the least
of which would be a diminution in our enormous an-
nual waste by fire and a supplementary saving in the
consumption of new lumber — the country's supply
of which, we are told, is becoming rapidly depleted.
Besides, there would be no waste like that in con-
crete construction, for the same wooden forms or
boxing can be used for an indefinite time on any
building.
Earth walls, besides being fireproof, afford a very
efficient protection against extremes of temperature
and there may be opportunity for the inventor in de-
vising an equally cheap and effective construction foe
floors and roof.
One of our most serious problems is that of trans-
portation, which constitutes a large factor in the cost
of building. Some of this expense is, of course, un-
avoidable, because certain manufactured products,
such as iron pipe, plumbing fixtures, glass etc., must
be used in any case. But with earth already on the
premises substituted for other manufactured mate-
rials used in walls, a large part of the transportation
charges would be eliminated.
The possibility of improved artistry in earth build-
ing seems unlimited. The thicker walls permit an ef-
fect of stability now absent in most of our house de-
signs, particularly of the cheaper sort, and a know-
ing use of, color on the plaster covering might give
distinction to a simple building at little cost. The use
of plastic decoration with color added suggests the
possibility of an architectural development which
might become distinctively American.
While there may exist at present prejudice against
the use of earth as a material fit only for the dwell-
ings of the very poor, it seems possible that further
study by architects and engineers might develop a
system of building altogether satisfactory from the
standpoint of cost, construction, sanitation and
aesthetics.
The writer feels that a single attempt at earth
buildirfg has not furnished sufficient data for the
preparation of a real specification, but perhaps a few
hints derived also from such literature as was avail-
able may be useful to any one wishing to undertake
a similar experiment.
While in this case a foundation of concrete extend-
ing about 8 inches above the surface of the ground
was used, it is probable that an earth foundation
would answer as well if thoroughly protected by a
waterproof coating.
Front view showing finished building
EARTH HOUSE, ST. LOUIS, MO.
THOMAS CRANE YOUNG, ARCHITECT
The earth used in building the walls was obtained
by grading the site and from the foundation trenches.
The best results were obtained with a mixture of
stiff yellow clay and. top soil in the proportion ap-
proximately of one part clay to two parts loam.
The earth should be free from roots, twigs or
vegetable substances and should contain no lumps of
clay or gravel larger than will pass through a 1J4
inch mesh screen. In tamping the gables, we used
earth sifted through a J4 mcri mesh screen, and ob-
tained a smoother wall. When placed in the form
the earth should be only slightly damp, and until used
it should be protected from rain by a shed, tarpaulin
or other means ; it should be placed in the forms in
thin layers not more than 4 inches thick, pressed
down with the feet and rammed until solid with a
wooden rammer, and so on until the boxing is filled.
The end of each section of wall should be tamped to
a slope which will form the joint with the next one
added horizontally; joints in successive courses
should not fall over those in the lower course. Great
force is not needed in tamping ; a quick, sharp stroke
87
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
is the more effective. Strokes should not be in uni-
son Wood blocks may be placed in the boxing and
tamped into the earth to serve as grounds for attach-
ment of frames, wainscoting, etc. If the top of one
course is dry when a second course is laid it should
be slightly sprinkled with water to insure adhesion.
Fig. I shows the form or boxing used, placed on
the wall, ready for filling. The lower ties are first
placed at the proper distances on the wall, then the
side pieces are lifted on and the top yoke quickly
pressed into place. The steel plates on the yoke are
slotted and "halved" with the iron lugs screwed to
side pieces and hold the top of the form rigidly in
place. A block screwed to the top of the tie holds
the lower part of the boxing on one side, and a simi-
lar block on the other end of the tie is hinged in order
to prevent obstruction on extracting the tie from the
wall. For the same purpose the tie is tapered and
made in two parts, wedged apart at one end. On re-
moving the wedge the parts come together sufficient-
ly to permit easier passage of the tie through the
hole. No doubt this device may be improved. Tak-
ing out the ties is the only difficult part of the whole
process. When the wall is completed the holes may
easily be filled with dry earth tamped in with a ham-
mer or mallet, a little water being first sprinkled
around the edges of the hole. Small defects arising
from accident may be repaired in the same way.
No doubt with a suitable apparatus and more ex-
perienced labor much greater speed in building may
be accomplished than in this case. It took two labor-
ers eleven working days to lay 460 cubic feet of
earth, or the equivalent of 10,000 brick, and by ap-
plying the local price of each type of labor, one may
form his own conclusions as to the comparative cost.
It is almost useless at this time to attempt to make
accurate estimates, but it seems probable that earth
walls, plastered, can be built at from 50 per cent, to
65 per cent, less than common brick walls without
plaster.
In this little building the author has experimented
with various forms of waterproofing; with coal tar
products applied directly to the exterior surface of
the earth; with paint and with waterproofing mate-
rial in the finishing coat of plaster ; but time will be
required to determine the necessity of using any of
these substances, or of their relative usefulness. The
author believes that with improved apparatus and
more experienced labor a very smooth surface for
earth walls may be obtained and that scientific study
may develop some means of hardening the earth so
that a plaster coat would be superfluous even for
decorative purposes.
Minneapolis Architects Have a "Colony"
MINNEAPOLIS architects now boast of a
"colony" of their own. A spacious build-
ing of Florentine design, located at
Second avenue S. and Twefth street, was recently
thrown open to the public.
"The exterior follows the Florentine style because
it lends itself peculiarly well to varied window ar-
rangements," Edwin H. Hewitt, architect stated. "It
is built of Indiana Bedford stone, has a frontage of
65 feet on Twelfth street and 110 feet on Second
avenue, and is four stories high. The elevator well
terminates in a tower in the upper story, and above
the machinery is an artist's studio. Even the chim-
ney carries out the design."
One of the unusual phases, according to Mr.
Hewitt's plan, is that while each firm will maintain
its individual practice, many things will be used in
common, such as the library, sample rooms, stenog-
raphers' room, blueprinting and specification print-
ing.
The third and fourth stories are especially designed
for offices, library, sample room, clients' room, con-
sultation rooms, blueprinting room, contractors' con-
sultation and reference room, stenographers' room,
a fireproof vault for permanent records and valuable
plans, and large drafting rooms that are subdivided
by glass partitions, making them private for each
firm, yet easily accessible to others, when consulta-
tion or suggestions are desired.
These two floors will house a group of professional
men. A special addition on the first floor, and a large
part of the basement, will be occupied by profes-
sional clubs, such as the Attic club, the Minnesota
Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the
Post and Lintel club and the Skylight club. The
basement also will contain a model kitchen and tea
room, where meals will be served at noon to occu-
pants of the building and their friends.
One of the rooms in the basement will be for the
exclusive use of draftsmen who desire to study at
night. A professor from the University of Minne-
sota will be available as instructor in design and the
studies will be in the nature of university extension
work.
At one side of the building, away from Twelfth
street, is a large lot that is to be terraced and devel-
oped into gardens in the spring. A colonnaded veran-
da opens on this space from the first floor.
88
Two School Buildings in Syracuse N. Y,
JAMES A. RANDALL, Architect
(See plate form for illustrations)
Delaware School
A TWO-STORY and basement fireproof, brick
school, having an anaemic department on the
roof — containing an assembly-hall, gymna-
sium, public library and stack-room, bank, 17 class
rooms, 2 industrial class rooms. Industrial manual
training, school manual training, draughting and
blue printing rooms, lumber storage and finishing
rooms, school cooking, domestic science, dining
room, millinery and sewing room, model flat of four
rooms, swimming pool, shower rooms, boys' and
girls' locker rooms, boys' and girls' toilet rooms,
kindergarten, principal's office, reception room, medi-
cal and dental clinics, teachers' rest room, reference
library, anaemic department containing two class
rooms, clinic dining room, serving pantry, store
room and covered porch ; store rooms, electrical
room, boiler room, fan room, coal bunkers.
The school will accommodate 1,000 pupils.
It was built during 1915-16-17-18 and opened in
September, 1918.
It cost completely furnished $343,270.
Mr. James A. Randall was the architect for this
structure as well as for the Blodgett Vocational
School here described. Illustrations of these build-
ings will be found in the plate form of this issue.
Blodgett Vocational High School
A THREE-STORY and basement, brick fire-
* *• proof building containing an auditorium, li-
brary, mail office and two private offices, teachers'
rest room, two ante-rooms, two dressing rooms,
superintendent's office, 8 class rooms, 4 drawing
rooms; 14 store, stack and locker rooms; 3 tool
rooms, 6 janitor's closets, kitchen, lunch room, fac-
ulty lunch room, two physics, chemistry and biology
.laboratories, physics^and chemistry lecture rooms,
boiler demonstration, forge foundry, steam fitting
and metal working, demonstration, printing, emer-
gency, elementary and advanced machine shops, pat-
tern making, wood turning, elementary and advanced
cabinet making, wood working machinery, finishing,
dry kiln, lumber storage, lecture, blue printing and
dark rooms, two apparatus rooms, dressmaking,
millinery, commercial bookkeeping, typewriting,
stenography, applied design, laundry, domestic
science kitchen, model flat of 5 rooms, motion picture
booth, fan rooms, transformers, electrical, electrical
generator, boiler room and coal pockets.
Built during 1916-17-18, this structure cost, com-
pletely furnished, $545,000. There are 1,300 pupils
accommodated, and thirteen toilets for faculty and
students.
Experiments in Art-Teaching in the Schools
THE extremely practical side of the arts was
ably emphasized by School Superintendent
Corson, of Newark, N. J., in speaking of the
approval recently given by the Board of Education
to his plan for the extension of the system of inten-
sive teaching of the manual arts throughout the
entire school system.
"Art," said Dr. Corson, "is of value to all manu-
facturing interests. France owes her preeminence
as an industrial nation to the fact that she combines
beauty and utility in all her products. The high
prices these products command in the markets of the
world are due primarily to the element of beauty. It
would be a mere venture to say how much is paid
for beauty and how much for utility, but the ratio is
certainly more than half and may be as much as five
to three.
"The American schools cannot afford to ignore a
principle so clearly seen," Dr. Corson stated. "The
schools must educate all to an appreciation of beauty
as an element in manufactured goods of all kinds,
and must not only develop a body of consumers, but
must lay the foundations for training a body of
workers for the factories of the country."
Teaching with such a purpose was scarcely possible
under the old system. The action taken by the com-
mittee in approving his recommendation is of very
great importance. It establishes a new epoch for the
teaching of art, of domestic science, of domestic art
and of manual training in the schools.
"It has been customary to teach these subjects
without much relation to each other," he continued.
"Each had its own field, and each was given approxi-
mately one hour of time a week. It is not difficult
for any one to understand that this was merely play-
ing with these important subjects, or, to put it dif-
ferently, it was teaching subjects with very substan-
tial educational value in a dilettante manner."
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
While Dr. Corson felt that considerable gain was
made in the manual arts when they were more closely
related he felt that the problem of getting the whole
value of these subjects had not yet been solved. As
he put it, "there was still difficulty in the way of
realizing to the full the possibilities in these several
subjects. A reasonable time was not available to
teach them, for the program of studies was full to
overflowing and the demand for time could not be
met without a radical adjustment of the schedule."
Having arrived at this viewpoint, Dr. Corson de-
cided to make another move and requested four
schools to try out a new schedule devoting a period a
day for five weeks, alternating them with other sub-
jects in five-week cycles. The theory was the pupils
would make such great gain that the loss in interven-
ing cycles would be comparatively small. In one
school it was worked out so successfully that educa-
tors from other cities have come to see the plan in
operation and the results to be shown.
Another reason for satisfaction in the new move
expressed by Dr. Corson was the direct reaction on
the pupils. He said :
"In all these subjects there is the element of do-
ing. To make something that is at once useful and
beautiful appeals strongly to every one. It calls
into activity the ability of the pupil. The purpose of
an academic education is largely to train and to pre-
pare for the future, but these motor subjects have
an immediate purpose to accomplish. There is im-
mediate use for the principles learned and the mak-
ing of things gives the pupils a sense of accomplish-
ment and of joy that adults have in doing things that
are worth while.
"The time is long past when these subjects can
be called fads. It is remarkable that in a great work-
ing nation like the United States such rich subjects
are decried. That such has been done is due to the
strength of tradition and to the aristocratic notion
that education was a process of class selection and it
was best accomplished by studying the useless or the
ornamental merely.
"Chinese education until recently was an extreme
example of this kind of an education. It is my be-
lief that the schools of today should train for liv-
ing in a modern world."
Unwise Building Laws — Written and Unwritten"
By GROSVENOR ATTERBURY
THE housing problem is above all the construc-
tion problem and the construction problem is
the elimination of waste. And one of the causes
of building waste is arbitrary and unintelligent
regulation- — which is what I am asked to discuss.
Now unwise laws are taxes, and fall like rain on
the just as well as on the unjust. And the unjust
fellow is the one who usually gets the umbrella ! The
incidence of building codes like the incidence of taxes
is apt to Work injustice. It is the honest builder and
the innocent public who pay the Jerry Builders
penalties.
So one is tempted to say that all building laws are
unwise. But of course that is not quite true. In so
far as they are teaching codes and not taxing codes
they are beneficial. And if we could be sure of hon-
est and skilled administration our building codes
could consist of just two words — "anything safe."
But since unfortunately we cannot yet write our
building laws on this basis, we must content ourselves
with certain obvious improvements in the existing
system. As far as possible our codes should be
standardized throughout the country. "Factors of
safety" should be reduced to the basis of honest con-
struction. And in the last analysis, to lower our
"*" Nati°'Ml Housin!> Association', Conference,
"Factors of Safety" we must raise our standard of
morals.
"One-two-four concrete" should not have to com-
pete against "One-five-ten-twenty Concrete." The
$20 ingredient should be eliminated. This means
honest, well-paid inspectors.
Superintendents of construction should be licensed
—like drug clerks— and held responsible. The bur-
den of protecting against fraudulent construction
should be transferred from the Building Departments
maintained at the cost of the taxpayer, to the build-
ing— at the cost of the dishonest constructor.
We should have special sections in our codes gov-
erning the little house — the 'laboring man's house.
Generic laws are sure to pinch some there and the
smallest house deserves the greatest consideration.
In the aggregate it represents the greatest invest-
ment, quite aside from its paramount importance in
welfare of the community.
But besides the written building law, there are cer-
tain unwritten laws that actually control building
operations today, and I am going to take the privilege
of extending the content of my subject so as to in-
clude these invisible codes; for the simple reason,
that in my judgment they much more vitally affect
the cost of the working man's home than the written
laws.
90
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
The written laws consist of the building and hous-
ing codes and the insurance regulations, while the
unwritten law is based on the rules of the labor
union, the trade agreements of the materials pro-
ducers, distributors and contractors and certain "Un-
holy Alliances" between them all.
In the last analysis our troubles are not so much in
our building code as in our code of morals. Too
many of our buildings are laid up in graft instead
of honest old fashioned mortar !
It is the same kind of malady that has caused a
good deal of our present business depression. I was
talking with a banker the other day and he said the
same thing apropos of America's foreign trade : That
South American merchants would buy goods from
American agents on sample and then get goods that
were nothing like what they bought. He said the
only trade mark in the world that was 100 per cent,
good was the English trade mark. We are losing
our foreign trade, and we will never recapture it un-
til we are honest in our trademarks and deliveries.
That is a very unfortunate thing to have to say of
your own country, but I am afraid it is true. And it
runs through many of our industries, and much of
our construction work, and the point of incidence
where it hurts and pinches as much as anywhere else
is in the workman's own housing !
The unwritten laws in my judgment are the most
sinister and the greatest surtax on the small house.
The big fellow can afford to pay those taxes perhaps,
but the little man cannot.
Let us make a guess, for example, at the price
which the little fellow, usually the working man him-
self, is liable to pay for all those factors of dishon-
esty and waste — we might call them "Surtaxes."
They might be roughly but conservatively appor-
tioned as follows :
To unwise Building Codes — probably not more
than 10 per cent.
To labor — stifled production — 6 hours real work
for 8 hours pay, and arbitrary rules against eco-
nomic use of labor and materials (the workingman's
own contribution) let us charitably say 25 per cent.
To material, through "Unholy Alliance" between
producer, distributor, builders and certain "mislead-
ers" of labor — to put it modestly — 25 per cent.
In short, for every $100 worth of home he pays
$160 ; in many instances, of course, a great deal more,
but my figures are simply to visualize the situation.
And of this surtax of $60 the greater part, let me re-
peat, is not paid under the written, but the unwritten
law. The great bulk of it must be charged to our
code of morals.
Yet there are certain sections in many of our
building laws that are disgraceful to our intelligence
as these dishonest practices are to our morals.
I read recently the intere'ting statement that the
foundations normally placed under a small house
would, if properly designed, support 23 houses of
the same size. That is a little misleading, because,
of course, the writer meant that if you could arrange
the 23 houses so as to bring the load down to a point
of concentration and meet it with a concrete pillar,
you could put 23 houses on a pillar containing no
more concrete than that put in the cellar of one of
the houses ; but it is an illustration of the situation.
I read also a discussion as to whether 6-inch cinder
concrete walls cannot be substituted for the 8-inch
wall of brick or gravel concrete; also as to whether
certain co-efficients and factors of safety could not
properly be reduced for special cases.
I might add that, as an illustration of what can be
done in economy of material, some years ago I put
up 15 or 16 houses with a concrete wall section in
which there was 60 per cent, of voids, the inner and
outer shells of the sections being but an inch and a
half thick.
As to the "Unwritten Laws" — we should have a
trade union reformation. We should have member-
ship on the basis of efficiency like the old Guilds. We
should substitute leveling up for leveling down, and
in place of the slogan "An injury to one is the con-
cern of all," we should put "the benefit of all is the
concern of each one." Obviously we should eliminate
all rules restricting output in construction.
To sum up. there are a half dozen very obvious
things for us to do :
1. Standardize Building Codes throughout the
country.
2. Base co-efficients on honest construction and
engineering practice.
3. Put the burden of "protecting the public" on
the builder — license the building constructor and
superintendent.
4. Eliminate the "Unwritten Laws" of waste, lim-
ited production and graft.
5. Provide a special section in the building code
covering the little house — the laboring man's home.
6. Secure the aid of the Government in scientific
research and study for the housing industry.
And in explanation of this last item on the pro-
gram, let me add that we do not want subsidies
from the government to build houses. But on the
other hand, we are entitled to the same kind of aid
in the housing problem that the Department of Agri-
culture gives to the farmer. Let us hope that when
they organize a Department of Social Welfare or
whatever they choose to call it, they will co-ordinate
the various useful agencies now functioning in dif-
ferent government bureaus, in such a way that they
can all be brought to bear on the problem of home
construction. The efforts of this association might
well be exerted toward influencing the Government
to take that action.
91
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Doorway, Trinity Church,
Newport, Rhode Island
(See reproduction of original drawing by O. K. Eggers on opposite page)
In a preceding issue a general view of Trinity Church
was presented. Mr. Eggers' admirably executed sketch of
the doorway shown herewith offers excellent suggestions.
The quiet dignity of this old church, as it stands surrounded
by its graveyard, will impress the visitor.
Trinity was built in IJ26, but by whom designed no one
has yet been able to discover. In 1^62 the church was
sawed in two and lengthened so as to about double its
original capacity. But so reverently was this church
regarded that nothing was done then, or since, to impair
the original effect and character of the interior.
This doorway indicates the conscientious attention with
which the Colonial builder-architect worked. Its moldings
and fluted pilasters show the handmade work that makes
a Colonial detail a thing of art and beauty as opposed to
the machine cut moldings of the present.
"In their narrow beds, forever laid, the rude forefathers
of the hamlet sleep." Their resting place is in the shadow
of the church, and the whole locality is one to make for
quietness and thoughtfulness.
The two story meeting houses in New England are of
unusual interest, and while many of them architecturally
present a better result, we doubt if any of our early churches
have received more solicitous care or have been more
reverently regarded than Trinity at Newport.
92
4 *~-' '
DOORWAY, TRINITY CHURCH, NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
TEE AMERICAN ARCHITECT Serin at Early Ameritar, AriHtectur,
""•••"i~»i»i«Wi«MMi«M^niiiLj£Lij
More Skilled Workmen for the
Building Trades
SENATOR WILLIAM M. CALDER, chair-
man of the Senate Special Committee on Re-
construction and Production, has recently completed
a nation-wide survey of the housing situation of the
country. As a result of his investigations he believes
that one of the most important problems confronting
the construction field today is the matter of securing
skilled workmen in the building trades. It is almost
commonplace to refer to the demand for building
now impending. It would be most unfortunate if
that demand were augmented by a lack of skilled
workmen after other deterrent factors had been ad-
justed.
With this in mind, Senator Calder has addressed a
letter to the Governor of every State in the Union,
urging that steps be taken to establish trade schools
in the several states for the purpose of encouraging
young men to learn the building trades.
The young American has shown a tendency to ally
himself with trades which require a certain amount
of skill. Hence we find among the electricians, the
plumbers and the masons numerous young men of
American birth. This, however, is not the case in the
other building trades. These have been left more
largely for men from foreign lands, who, dissatisfied
with the conditions in their fatherland, have come
to this country, and, without training or technical ap-
prenticeship, have started at the foot of the ladder
to try for success. The war has cut off this source
of supply. Without trained workmen, and in suffi-
cient numbers, the building program will be unneces-
sarily delayed.
It is therefore reasonable to consider Senator
Calder's suggestion to foster building trades schools.
Technical training is always useful, and to get it in-
tensively and systematically in a recognized school
is equivalent to a large amount of experience.
A NOTHER fact which Senator Calder's com-
mittee has revealed is that the supply of labor
depleted through over-specialization. Certain
is
trades, such as paper hanging, have a busy season
and a dull, with the result that these trades must be
highly paid, or else the men engaged therein must be
competent to function in other trades in the off sea-
sons. If apprentices might be trained in trade schools
in a sufficiently wide range of related activities to
enable them to adjust themselves to changes in in-
dustrial conditions and seasonable demands of the
construction industry, it would be a direct benefit not
only to the tradesmen themselves but to the general
public. The constant leaving of affairs to chance is
one of the deplorable tendencies of American life.
The way in which we chose our professions, or the
way in which the humbler trades are entered — arbi-
trarily and with no thought of the larger needs or
the larger results, is shiftless and un-American.
When the cry is for skilled workmen for the building
trades, the answer must be to train the workmen, and
not leave the fulfilment of our enormous building
program to accident and the whims of workers.
The American Specification Institute
THAT the subject of specifications is one that
receives the serious consideration of architects
is evidenced by the many communications received in
response to the editorial printed in THE AMERICAN
ARCHITECT of November 17, 1920. Excerpts from
a few of these have been printed in the issues of
December 15-22. Unexpectedly, but not without
reason, communications have been received from
manufacturers of building materials. These inter-
ests are concerned with proper specifications, as they
often suffer damage through those improperly writ-
ten. The owner can also suffer a loss from the same
cause. When the specification is capable of human
interpretation and execution, the contractor becomes
an implement of construction and in a measure an
impersonal element. Responsibility is the attribute
of the architect alone, as he produces the specifica-
tion and supervises its fulfillment.
The importance of the person who writes the speci-
fication is becoming better appreciated. Anything
which will aid him in improving his product should
receive the hearty support of all parties to the con-
struction of buildings and other structures.
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT would presume to
suggest to those having in hand the formation of The
American Specification Institute a consideration of
93
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
those organizations that are engaged now in work
that is an element of specifications. The very im-
portant work of the American Society for Testing
Materials very wisely can be left in charge of that
organization. In like manner the same applies to
the specifications of the American Societies of Il-
luminating Engineers, Heating and Ventilating Engi-
neers, Mechanical Engineers, Civil Engineers; the
American Institutes of Electrical Engineers, Mining
and Metallurgical Engineers, The American Con-
crete Institute, The National Fire Protection Associ-
ation, The American Railway Engineering Associa-
tion and others produce very excellent and valuable
specifications for construction and the assemblage of
materials.
The American Institute of Architects and the in-
dependent state and local architectural organizations
also have rendered valuable service in adding to speci-
fication knowledge and standards.
In fact, a close and intimate relationship between
The American Specification Institute and all these
organizations is essential that it may become the
clearing house of their efforts in so far as the writing
of specifications is concerned. Having in hand only
one thing, it can take the findings of these organiza-
tions and reduce them to exact and specific data for
actual use. There is no reason why a hearty co-op-
eration should not obtain between them.
The plan and scope of The American Specification
Institute, which it is understood will soon be ready
for general publication, will be studied with interest.
Prices
TODAY'S problem is the price problem.
On page 107 of this issue there appears Part 1
of an important article by Edmund D. Fisher, vice-
president of Bank of Detroit. It is "A Study of
Prices."
Mr. Fisher shows just what prices are and what
affects them. It may seem a trifle curious to a
reader of this journal to intimate that it is neces-
sary to have explained to him such a subject, but
if is only too true that architects, as well as other
business men, are sometimes apt to explain a great
many things by that old and time-honored "supply
and demand" catchword.
Supply and demand is a real factor, no doubt,
but is it thoroughly understood?
What Mr. Fisher has to say is fact, based upon
fundamental economic principles. To read his ar-
ticle is to understand better the so-called price
trend. And what is of more interest and real "dol-
lars and cents" value to the architect at the present
moment than that thing which will further help
him to gain a better perspective of prices and which
will increase his knowledge of the factors neces-
sary to bring about an orderly decline?
Fine Arts in the Government
A SECRETARY of the fine arts has been ru-
mored as a possibility for the Harding Cabinet.
The Arts Club of Washington has started a move-
ment to induce Congress to create a Department of
the Fine Arts.
Precedent for such an office is furnished by the
French cabinet, where the minister of education is
also minister of fine arts.
This would involve the establishment by the gov-
ernment of a great national school of music, drama,
painting, sculpture, architecture and their allied
branches.
That such a school under the protection of the
national government would improve art education1 all
over the country is without doubt. Every art school
would have to raise its standard of instruction in or-
der to be eligible to become an authorized branch of
this great national school.
It would be able to develop an appreciative atti-
tude toward art among those vast groups of the
general public where now such an appreciation is al-
most negligible. By proper educational publicity
methods, much good might be accomplished. The
numerous organizations now independently further-
ing the progress of the fine arts could unite their
forces and exchange experiences in a manner that
would enble each to reach a far larger audience than
individual efforts now make possible.
Politicians will undoubtedly raise the objection
that this should not come to pass at a time when
retrenchment of governmental expense is in progress,
especially in view of the fact that we do not even
maintain a Secretary of Education. But if it were
possible to take that important step it would be
fitting, and an augury of hope, if extended official
attention were given specifically to the fine arts.
The amount of constructive, valuable work that
could be accomplished by a competent executive
mind would far overbalance the financial outlay.
H
U
W
H
i— i
E
U
U
I-H
P^
w
w
ffi
H
o
j
S
o
j,
G
- S
-
w
C/) •<
W
w
Q
VOL. CXIX, No. 2353
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY 26, 1921
DETAIL OF MAIN ENTRANCE
DELAWARE SCHOOL, SYRACUSE, NEW YORK
JAMES A. RANDALL, ARCHITECT
VOL. cxix, NO. 2353 THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY 26, 1921
BASEMENT AND FIRST FLOOR PLANS
DELAWARE SCHOOL, SYRACUSE, NEW YORK
JAMES A. RANDALL, ARCHITECT
VOL. cxix, NO. 2353 THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
JANUARY 26, 1921
SECOND FLOOR AND ROOF PLANS
DELAWARE SCHOOL, SYRACUSE, NEW YORK
JAMES A. RANDALL, ARCHITECT
I
w"
t/3
U
5jt
"1
O as
O ^
3d
V) <
a §
o <
£ *
< w
S5 S
O <
U
o
w
o
Q
O
K
i
(ft
s
H
U
w
u
«
<
52:
<2
u
i— i
«
w
s
<
w
w"
in
K
o
s
O
O
5 u a
s w 3
**§
o S
z y
H <
Z J ca
« < W
s 2; a
§ 2 *
p
H
H
8
o
a
tf
X
w
H
i— i
ffi
U
w
ffi
h
0
aMMMjij, KK* tv «yvL/ MI
^'^^Tr^
Heating and Ventilating Industrial Buildings
Part III. (Continued]
Hot-Blast Systems
By CHARLES L. HUBBARD, Heating Engineer.
A TYPE of building frequently used for machine
work and similar manufacturing processes is
shown in Fig. 1, and is well adapted to hot-
blast heating. In small and medium size buildings
a single fan and heater unit is placed near the
center, and main distributing ducts run in both
directions toward the ends. In the case shown,
two heating units would be used, one on either side
of the central bay, near the center, in order not to
interfere with the traveling crane beneath the mon-
itor. The main distributing ducts are run through
the roof trusses and branches are brought down on
posts to within 5 or 6 feet of the floor and turned
so as to discharge at a slight angle toward the outer
walls. The galleries are supplied through shorter
branches as indicated. The arrangement for a one
story building, without galleries, would be the same
as shown in Fig. 1, by omitting the upper inlets.
CONDITIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL OPERATION
Arrangements of this kind work well when the
horizontal distance from the air inlet to the outer
wall is not greater than 20 feet. When the distance
exceeds this the air may be blown straight downward
from the inlets instead of at an angle and another
row of inlets should be ranged along each outer wall
or near it. Another way, for a wide building, is to
place the warm air inlets as shown in Fig. 1, and
carry return ducts along the outer walls with open-
ings near or in the floor. In this way the warm air
is drawn over toward the outer walls where it is
most needed.
In machine shops, where most of the occupants are
actively engaged, a normal temperature of 60 to 65
degrees is considered ample, while the offices and
drafting room should be maintained at 68 to 70
degrees in the coldest weather. It often happens
that while the lowest continued temperature does not
fall below -(- 10 degrees, or possibly zero, there may
be infrequent periods when it falls to — 10 or — 20
FIG. 1. AN ARRANGEMENT OF DUCTS SUITABLE
FOR MONITOR ROOF CONSTRUCTION
degrees. It is usually sufficient in cases of this kind
to proportion the heating equipment for zero and
take chances on the short duration of colder weather
in plants where the men are more or less actively
engaged, as in machine shops, foundries, forge shops,
etc. For example, a shop designed for a tempera-
ture of 60 degrees in zero weather will only fall
95
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
FIG. 2. FOR FOUNDRIES THE ARRANGEMENT OF
SUPPLY AND EXHAUST DUCTS HERE SHOWN
WILL PRODUCE GOOD RESULTS
to 52 degrees when it is 10 degrees below zero, which
will not prove especially uncomfortable in any cases.
The air volume to be supplied in a building of this
general type is more commonly based on heating with
re-circulated air in zero weather. In cases of this
kind the total heat loss by transmission and leak-
age is first computed for zero outside, and sufficient
air circulated to offset this with a temperature range
of 80 or 90 degrees.
EXAMPLE
The total heat loss from a shop is 1,000,000
thermal units per hour in zero Weather. The build-
ing is to be warmed by recirculating the air, return-
ing it to the heater at 60 degrees and delivering it
through the warm air inlets at 60 -)- 80 = 140
degrees. What volume of air must be moved
by the fan per minute to supply the required amount
of heat? Here we have
H = 1,000,000; T = 80; to find V.
Substituting these in the formula previously given
we have
Lr
STOR mm nmr
""E3
OF HEATING AND
55 x 1,000,000
V = — — = 687,500 cubic feet per hour or
80
687,500 -f- 60 = = 11,460 cu. ft. per minute.
When there is an abundance of exhaust steam,
or the number of workmen is large compared with
the cubic contents of the building, a volume of out-
side air equal to one to three complete changes per
hour should be supplied in the coldest weather, in-
creasing this to 30 or 40 cubic feet per occupant per
minute as the outside temperature rises.
FOTTNDRIES
Foundries contain more or less steam and
irritating gases, and are best ventilated by a pair
of fans, one for the supply of air and one for its
removal. Ventilation by means of skylights or mon-
FIG. 4. ANOTHER ARRANGEMENT FOR
BUILDINGS SEVERAL STORIES HIGH
Both supply and exhaust ducts are carried on ceilings
itor windows, except in warm weather, causes the
steam to condense in the presence of the cooler air
entering through the windows, thus making condi-
tions worse rather than better. For the best results
the air should be admitted and discharged near the
floor, as shown in Fig. 2, as this maintains a zone
or layer of fresh air in the space occupied by the
workmen. Furthermore, the gases which are present
are heavier than air and must be drawn off from the
lower part of the room. When the work is such that
steam and gas are present only in small amounts,
the exhaust fan may be shut down; also in warm
weather exhaust ventilation may be through the mon-
itor, with a portion, at least, of the fresh air ad-
mitted by way of the lower windows. The same gen-
96
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
eral method of ventilation may be
employed for a forge shop.
The equipment for buildings of
this kind is usually designed for
maintaining a temperature of 50 to
55 degrees in zero weather. Suffi-
cient fresh air should be supplied at
all times to keep the building clear
of smoke, and may be based on
four or five changes per hour for a
stratum 10 or 12 feet high, over the
entire floor, for iron foundries and
forge shops, and twice that amount
for brass foundries.
Shoe shops, jewelry factories and
buildings of this general type carry-
ing light machinery, are usually
several stories in
height and re-
quire a some-
w h a t different
treatment. Two
general plans are
e m p 1 o y e d, as FIG s AN ARRANGEMENT OF
shown in Figs.
3 and 4. The
first of these is
known as the "stand pipe" method, and is adapted
to buildings not over 60 feet in width, unless a
double row of supply pipes is provided. The ver-
AIR SUPPLY DUCT SUIT-
ABLE IN TEXTILE MILL
FIG. 6. ANOTHER FLUE ARRANGEMENT ADAPTED
TO STANDARD MILL CONSTRUCTION
FIG. 7. TYPICAL DUCT ARRANGEMENT FOR
DYE HOUSES
tical flues, or stand pipes, are carried up every 80
to 100 feet and discharge warm air in four direc-
tions on each floor. In Fig. 4 fresh air and vent
ducts are carried on the ceilings, as shown in the
cut, and the warm air discharged downward at an
angle of 30 to 40 degrees from the horizontal toward
the outer walls. With smooth ceilings and ordinary
working velocities, the heat will be evenly distributed
by this arrangement for a considerable distance, even
up to 100 feet or more, if a return duct is provided
at the center for removing the cooler air from the
lower part of the room.
TEXTILE MILLS
There are two or three standard methods of in-
stalling heating and ventilating apparatus in build-
ings of this general character which may be modi-
fied to meet quite a variety of conditions.
One of these is illustrated in Fig. 5, in which case
the apparatus is located in the basement and a main
supply duct is carried along the outer wall as shown
in section in the cut. The uptake flues are of mason-
ry and project from the outside of the wall in order
not to encroach upon the space within. The warm air
is all delivered at one side of the room and usually
toward the colder or more exposed wall. The up-
takes are spaced from 40 to 70 feet apart and deliver
the air to each story through inlets about 8 feet from
the floor. The smooth ceilings commonly found in
buildings of this kind offer but little obstruction to
air flow, and the moving belts and pulleys tend to
break up the currents and assist in the distribution.
The flue area, as will be noted in the cut, is reduced
at each story and the air quantity for each floor is
proportioned by an adjustable deflecting damper.
Another flue arrangement adapted to standard mill
construction is shown in Fig. 6, in which case a sep-
97
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
FIG. 8. TYPICAL ARRANGEMENT FOR A LAUNDRY
arate flue is carried from the main air duct through
piers between the windows. This has the advantage
of avoiding outside pilasters, but increases the num-
ber of flues somewhat.
With the piers 12 feet apart, it will be 36 feet be-
tween inlets in three-story buildings and 48 feet in
those four stories in height.
Textile mills illustrate a class of buildings in which
the humidity of the air must be considered as well
as its temperature and volume. In this particular
case, if the air becomes dry, frictional electricity is
generated by the movement of belts and machinery,
and this in turn has a decided effect upon the quality
and evenness of the finished goods. This condition
may be practically overcome by maintaining a rela-
tive humidity of 60 to 70 per cent, at the normal
temperatures carried in buildings of this kind. The
air may be moistened by means of steam jets or a fine
spray of water blown directly into the room when
direct heating is employed, or by evaporating pans
or air washers in the case of hot-blast heating.
"Air conditioning," which includes the control of
humidity is an important branch of engineering, and
equipment of this kind should be installed under the
~ Air disc/large ' _
Air intake
r. H
U
a
FIG. 9. A SCHEME FREQUENTLY USED IN LOFT
BUILDINGS DEVOTED TO LIGHT
MANUFACTURING
FIG. 10. TYPrCAL UNIT HEATER FOR PLACING
ON THE FLOOR
direction of a specialist. In connection with the con-
trol of humidity, the matter of dust removal must be
taken care of not only in certain departments of tex-
tile mills, but also in other industries, such as those
requiring polishing, grinding, etc. This is best
handled by means of a hot-blast heating system,
either taking the full air supply from outside or re-
circulating it through an air washer or wet filter.
DYE HOUSES AND LAUNDRIES
In buildings of this kind the special problem is
the removal of large quantities of vapor before it
has a chance to condense on ceiling and walls. As
is well known to those familiar with dye house venti-
lation, the greatest trouble comes from the conden-
sation of the vapor which is continually rising in
clouds from the dye kettles and tubs. When the
steam comes in contact with the cool air which is
flowing in from doors, windows or roof ventilators
it condenses rapidly, sinking "toward the floor, and
thus obscuring the view. The method of ventila-
tion employed in cases of this kind is to provide a
98
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
sufficient volume of warm air to absorb the moisture
by evaporation and then exhaust it before it becomes
saturated. The volume of air required for this pur-
pose will depend upon the amount of vapor given
off, which is at a maximum when the dye is kept at
the boiling point and the cloth passed through
it from reels located above the vats. It is common
practice to provide for a complete change of air
every 2 to 10 minutes, according to the processes
carried on in the room, once in four minutes being
about the average. The best method of admitting
and removing the air in cases of this kind will depend
somewhat upon circumstances, but in general the
greater part should be admitted near the floor at as
high a temperature as is possible without over-
heating the room, and should be removed through
openings in the ceiling. When supplied in suffi-
ciently large quantities this air carries the steam
with it in a rising current and absorbs a greater part
of it at an elevation above the heads of the workmen,
thus maintaining a zone of fairly dry and comfort-
able air in the lower part of the room. In addition
to the general supply mentioned above, it is well to
FIG. 11. TYPE OF UNIT HEATER SUSPENDED
FROM CEILING
admit a small amount in thin sheets at a compara-
tively high velocity along the ceiling for driving the
steam toward the outlets. A false (hung) ceiling,
with air space between it and the roof, is advisable
in case of one-story buildings. A typical duct ar-
rangement for a dye house is shown in Fig. 7. While
the air should always be supplied by a fan. the dis-
charge may be by gravity when the vent shafts can
be carried to a sufficient height to produce the neces-
sary draft. Otherwise an exhaust fan should be
employed. The vents should not be more than 20
feet apart, and should be properly insulated and
drained to prevent any dripping upon the fabrics in
process of manufacture, or upon the workmen.
Laundries, in contrast with dye houses, are apt to
become overheated, and as the air contains a high
percentage of moisture, the conditions are very
enervating to those employed there. While open
windows and roof ventilators may answer all pur-
poses in warm weather, the free admission of cold
FIG. 12. TYPE OF UNIT HEATER SUITABLE FOR
OFFICES, DRAFTING ROOMS AND
SIMILAR OCCUPANCIES
air in winter causes dangerous drafts and excessive
condensation. A typical layout for a laundry is
shown in Fig. 8, in which the warm air and steam
are removed through hoods placed directly over the
machines where they are generated. In addition to
these are a number of vents near the ceiling for gen-
ral room ventilation, all of which, including the
99
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
hoods, connect with ducts leading to an exhaust fan.
Fresh air, for replacing that discharged by the fan
is admitted through "induction" heaters, which may
be either steam coils or sectional cast iron radiators
enclosed in galvanized iron casings so arranged that
the air will come thoroughly in contact with the heat-
ing surface in passing through them.
The rooms are kept warm enough during the
night to prevent freezing, either by special direct
radiators or by providing dampers of such design
that inside air may be re-circulated through the in-
duction heaters when ventilation is not required. In
the arrangement shown in Fig. 8 the induction heat-
ers are designed simply for ventilating purposes and
all heating is done by direct radiation.
LOFT BUILDINGS
Loft buildings are included in a class used
principally for mercantile and light manufacturing
purposes. The varied character of the work- and
more or less frequent changing of tenants makes it
necessary to install a ventilating system of a semi-
portable character rather than a permanent one as in
case of a shop or factory. The heating is done by
direct radiation, it being customary to place a radia-
tor under each window so that partitions may be
shifted at any time to suit tenants without interfer-
ing with the heating system. The ventilating scheme
generally used is shown in Fig. 9 and consists of fan
and heater, made up as a single unit and enclosed
in a steel plate casing. This is usually hung from
the ceiling so as not to infringe on the floor space.
The fresh air is taken from the top of a window and
warmed to 70 degrees, then distributed through a
ceiling duct, as indicated in the cut. If the space is
divided by partitions, then the branches from the
main duct should be extended so as to reach each
room requiring ventilation. Discharge ventilation is
generally accomplished by leakage through windows,
stairways, elevator wells, etc.
UNIT HEATERS
Unit heaters are one of the latest devices
to be developed for the heating of industrial build-
ings and should receive brief mention in closing the
present series of articles. A unit heater of this kind
consists of motor, fan and heater mounted together
as a single self-contained unit. Air is drawn in from
the room, passed through the heater, and discharged
at a fairly high velocity through specially formed
outlets which diffuse it through a considerable space.
This air movement produces a more comfortable con-
dition for the workmen than when direct radiation is
employed. When used in new buildings a sufficient
number of these are installed to produce the required
amount of heat, spacing them according to size and
heating power. They are especially convenient for
additions where it is not practicable to extend the
present heating system.
A typical heater for placing on the floor is shown
in Fig. 10, and one for suspending from the ceiling
in Fig. 1 1 . An outfit of this type adapted to the heat-
ing and ventilation of offices and drafting rooms is
illustrated in Fig. 12.
(The End.)
Flat Slab Floors
FLAT slab floor construction is fast replacing
the beam and girder type of floor, and, gen-
erally speaking, has advantages in appearance and
economy. However, there will be places where the
beam and girder system will show a lower cost-
Where panels between columns are square or nearly
so, the flat slab usually works to advantage. When
columns are spaced unequally or irregularly, it is
often more economical to resort to the beam and
girder type of floor. If the column spacings may
be laid out with economy in view, the square bay
and the flat slab will generally be selected. How-
ever, this selection should not always be made with-
out a proper check by comparative cost estimates.
Assume, for instance, that a concrete storage
building is required, the width of which may be
anywhere from 55 to 65 feet and sufficient in length
to give a certain specified area of floor space. The
design is to be a flat slab system and the build-
ing is to be built as economically as possible. The
engineer will usually make a design for a flat slab
system with the columns spaced at distances he be-
lieves will show economical results. Two more
flat slab designs should now be made with the
column spacings one foot more and one foot less
respectively. Comparative costs made on these
three designs will show the economical standing of
the various spacings for the specified live load.
It will be necessary to make typical cross-section
designs showing the column spacings considered
and then calculate the comparative costs of each de-
sign for a length of building equal to one bay. It
is a simple matter to calculate the required length
of the building for each type of cross section con-
sidered in order that the proper amount of floor
space be obtained. The total length of the various
buildings should be calculated to the nearest multiple
of the length of their respective bays. This being
done and the cost of one bay of each type of build-
ing being already calculated, the total approximate
cost of each type of building is easily found. Add-
ing to these respective estimates the cost of clos-
ing in the two extreme ends of the building, the
engineer has a very good idea of the comparative
costs of the designs he has made. — Economy in the
Design of Reinforced Concrete Buildings.
100
How Wrought Iron Is Made
A Novel Campaign for the Education of Laymen. Moving Pictures of the
Iron Industry
I
N the past it has been customary to regard all
galvanized sheet metal as galvanized iron be-
cause the old fashioned hand made sheet iron
was formerly in great demand for
these purposes.
Architects and builders now find
it necessary to give special attention
to the rust resisting qualities of the
sheet metal which they specify for
use in ventilating shafts, cornices,
leaders and down spouts, tanks and
other articles of a similar nature.
If the galvanized sheet metal used
is galvanized steel and not gal-
vanized iron, there will be great
difference in the service of the
product- When modern steel was
made to replace the old-fashioned
hand made iron it was found that
the material did not give the service
under certain conditions and its use
became a real problem in modern
building construction.
For many years metallurgists
sought to find why steel would not
stand up as well as did the old iron,
in meeting the weather and climatic
conditions. It was finally proved
by these government scientists that
the impurities which creep into the
steel as made today set up an
electrolytic action which cause the
metal to pit, flake, and disintegrate
in the presence of moisture. The problem then was
for a pure iron that would resist rust. How to make
this iron pure and at the same time make it in
commercial quantities that would
keep its price within reason was the
big task taken over by the experts
of the large steel companies.
Eventually a way was found for
making pure ingot iron on a com-
mercial scale that in every respect
resembled the old-fashioned iron.
In the years that have passed it has
measured up to the claims for it in
a manner to insure its use when
greater permanency in sheet metal
construction is desired.
Several views of various stages
of the process are shown with this
article. These pictures were taken
in the plant of the American Roll-
ing Mill Company, Middletown,
Ohio. Recently this company has
undertaken an educational campaign
for the purpose of acquainting
manufacturers, engineers and archi-
tects with the' problems and
processes in the manufacture of
Armco ingot iron. The making of
this iron is interestingly shown in
moving pictures which have been
made. The "movie" is soon to start
on a tour of architectural and engi-
neering societies, technical schools,
LIFTING HEATED INGOT FROM SOAKING PIT
POURING INGOT IRON INTO MOLDS
101
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
STRIPPING MOLDS FROM THE INGOTS
and sales conventions where the study of results
in modern metallurgy is of paramount interest.
Comparatively few laymen have ever seen the
sight of metal heated to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit.
This temperature is necessary in the making of a
pure iron. It is too hot in the vicinity of the boil-
ing metal in the interior of the open hearth furnaces
for the comfort of most visitors and the intense light
from the mass is too blinding for the naked eye.
Heretofore it was necessary to look through specially
colored glasses at the iron when it was hot enough
to flow like water.
When the "Armco" picture was proposed the
movie concern was told it had an opportunity to make
a record. They said that a close-up scene of boiling
iron had never been made. And steel men said it
could not be done.
Veteran steel workmen watched intently when the
camera man set up his camera, wondering if he would
stick it out or if the heat would crack the camera
lens or set fire to the explosive film inside. The
camera man himself was not sure, but there were
two husky men back of him ready to jerk him out
of the way in case anything happened.
The result was an entire success. This scene,
together with the rest of the 3,000 feet of film is
equivalent to a trip through a great steel and iron
plant. The film will be shown in all parts of the
world and the entire process, from the arrival of the
iron ore at the blast furnaces to the final inspection
of the finished products, is visualized.
The great value of wrought iron lies in its ability
ROLLING IRON INTO SHEETS
LOADING SHEETS FOR ANNEALING
to resist corrosion. While steel gives entire satis-
faction for structural shapes, such as I-beams,
angles, etc., wrought iron has been found more prac-
tical for plain or corrugated sheets and metal lath.
The use of wrought iron is almost universal in pipe
where its non-corrosive qualities give long life and
service.
In the puddling process of manufacture the molten
iron is stirred continually until the carbon and othei
impurities are burned out, leaving the iron in a
plastic condition and saturated with slag. The slag
is squeezed out before the material is rolled into
billets. The slag is present in alternate layers with
iron and gives a fibrous structure. These layers of
slag form a protective coating against corrosion and
serve as a means of easy identification of wrought
iron from steel.
102
Current News
Happenings and Comments in the Field of Architecture
and the Allied Arts
Industrial Art at the Museum
The fifth exhibition of industrial art is now in
progress at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It
will continue until Jan. 30. The object as heretofore
is to show a selected group of objects of current
manufacture, the designs of which are based upon
sources in the museum. These pieces, brought to-
gether from factories and shops, cover a wide range
of arts and craft goods, rugs, furniture, textiles, and
many others. They serve both to reflect and to stimu-
late better standards among the layman, and are a
further indication of the ever expanding influence of
the museum on public taste.
Construction Division of U. S. A. to
Hold Reunion
The annual reunion of those who were identified
with the Construction Division of the army during
the war will be held at the Morrison Hotel, Chicago,
on February 25 and 26. The afternoon of the first
day will be devoted to business sessions and the
annual banquet will be held on the evening of
February 26.
The membership of the Construction Division As-
sociation consists of those who served in the Con-
struction Division of the army during the war, either
in uniform or as civilians. The officers are : Presi-
dent, Col. Clark C. Wright, of George C. Nimmons
& Co., 122 South Michigan avenue, Chicago; Vice-
President, Col. J. N. Willcutt, of R. D. Willcut &
Sons Company, Boston, Mass.; Secretary George
Gibbs, Jr., Washington, D. C. ; Assistant Secretary,
William Kennedy, office of Colonel Evan Shelby, 63
Wall street, New York City, and Treasurer, Major
A C. King, 8 South Dearborn street, Chicago, 111.
Colonel E. C. Stockdale, of Page & Hill, 19 South
La Salle street, Chicago, is chairman of the Enter-
tainment Committee.
Institute of Architects will hold an architectural ex-
hibition, according to an announcement made by Mr.
Philip N. Arnold, chairman of the Real Estate
Board's Real Estate and Building Exposition com-
mittee.
Arrangements for an architectural exhibition are
being made by the joint exhibition board of the T-
Square Club and the Philadelphia Chapter of the
American Institute of Architects, of which George
Howe is chairman. This board, in addition to Mr.
Howe, consists of R. J. Wadsworth, William C. Sten-
ton, H. Bartol Register, Donald M. Kirkpatrick, Jo-
seph P. Sims and Clarence C. Zantzinger. It is as-
sisted by a special advisory committee consisting of
Edward A. Crane, president of the Philadelphia
Chapter of the American Institute of Architects;
John P. B. Sinkler, city architect Nicola D'Ascenzo,
Grant M. Simon, D. Knickerbacker Boyd and Emile
G. Perrot.
In addition to the architects there will also be ex-
hibits by the Atlantic City real estate board, the
Camden real estate board, the North Philadelphia
realty board, the Master Builders' Association and
other similar organizations.
The co-operation of the architects, the trades and
business organizations and a large list of manufac-
turers, merchants, material men and others, will make
the exposition.
The architectural exhibition, which will be in com-
plete charge of the joint exhibition board of the T-
Square Club and the Philadelphia Chapter of the
American Institute of Architects, promises to be the
largest, most varied and most artistic ever seen in
Philadelphia. In addition to holding their own ex-
hibition, the joint exhibition board of the architects
also will supervise the artistic features of the main
exhibition.
Philadelphia Architects to Join in
Building Exposition
In conjunction with the Philadelphia Real Estate
Board's Real Estate and Building Exposition, which
will be held at the First Regiment Armory during
the week of March 28 to April 2, the T-Square
Club and the Philadelphia Chapter of the American
Henry Reinhardt, Art Dealer, Dead
Henry Reinhardt, art dealer, head of Henry Rein-
hardt & Son, Fifth avenue, New York, died Jan.
13 after a short illness. He was 62 years old and
began his art career in Milwaukee when still a youth.
In the course of forty-five years he established gal-
leries in New York, Chicago and Paris as well as
in his native city.
Among his chief interests was the development
of art appreciation in the West, and to this end he
103
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
helped organize several museums; notably the one
at Toledo, for which he bought at auction for $20,-
000 the now famous landscape "Moonlight," by the
tragically fated Blakelock. It was Mr. Reinhardt,
too, who arranged the loan exhibition of Blakelock's
works to raise part of the fund for the painter's
maintenance.
Mr. Reinhardt gathered what is said to be the fin-
est collection of the works of George Inness, that
which is now in the Art Institute of Chicago. Dur-
ing the war his Paris gallery was given over to the
Red Cross for a medical library.
Civic Federation Will Discuss Labor
Problems
Outstanding industrial problems, with which the
American people are confronted today, from both the
national and the international viewpoints, will be dis-
cussed at the twenty-first annual meeting of the Na-
tional Civic Federation to be held at Hotel Astor,
New York City, February 14, 15 and 16, 1921.
Kitchen Marathon Two Miles
Preparation of meals for an average family means
a two-mile daily kitchen marathon for the housewife,
statistics compiled for the conference of vocational
workers of the South, in session at Montgomery,
Ala., disclosed.
A pedometer attached to students in the kitchen
of the model home in Livingstone School showed that
, measurement for stove-sink-and-pantry route cov-
ered during the preparation of the three daily meals.
Vast Forests in Northwest
More than 30,000,000 acres of commercial timber
now stands in the private and national forests of
Washington and Oregon, according to compilations
of Thornton T. Munger, of the district forest service,
Portland, recently received by Supervisor William
G. Weigle, of the Snoqualmie national forest in
Seattle.
What this vast stand of timber means to the North-
west as an economic asset was pointed out by Su-
pervisor Weigle, who estimates that Washington
alone cuts between 5,000,000,000 and 6,000,000,000,
feet of timber annually. For every thousand feet of
timber sawed and finished labor is paid $16, or $16,-
000,000 in wages for every billion feet.
Of the total area of standing commercial timber
in both states, 15,047,000 acres is under private own-
ership and the remaining 15,428,000 acres under Fed-
eral control. This stand of merchanable timber rep-
resents 745,000,000,000 feet. The original forest
area in both states was 48,000,000 acres, with 4,330,-
000 acres having been logged off and 7,500,000 acres
destroyed by fire. The annual area being cut over
at present is estimated at 260,000 acres.
Lumbermen Launch Campaign to
Reduce Building Costs
A national campaign to reduce building costs was
launched by lumber manufacturers from all sections
of the country at a recent meeting in Chicago.
"Lumber has come down in price an average of
30 per cent.," said R. B. Goodman, of Marinette,
Wis., chairman of the session. "The lumber indus-
try has absorbed its wartime inflation and we feel
that it is up to other building commodities to follow
suit. Lumber represents only about 30 per cent, of
the cost of the average building and not more than
35 per cent, of the cost of a wooden building."
France Plans Home for Married
Women Only
A mothers' home, where women may have the nec-
essary care that they themselves could not afford, is
to be established in Bordeaux, France, with funds
given by Madame Dutsch de la Muertha. It will be
opened only to married women. Buildings, a park
of 82 acres and $200,000 were given for the work.
Brooklyn's Plymouth Church
Rebuilding
The famous Plymouth Church of Brooklyn, N. Y.,
which suffered considerable damage from a fire last
November, is now being repaired and restored by
William Gompert, architect. The work will prob-
ably be completed in time for Easter services.
It was to this church that Henry Ward Beecher
came as pastor in 1847. In the pulpit of Plymouth
Church he acted as auctioneer one Sunday morning
in Feb., 1860, and sold a slave girl into freedom. In
this building, twenty-eight windows set forth the in-
fluence of Puritanism upon the liberties of the Re-
public. Rev. Newell Dwight Hillis, of international
fame, is the present pastor. This is one of the struc-
tures that has helped to give Brooklyn a reputation
as a city of churches.
Mr. Gompert stated that when the construction is
completed the building will be modern in every re-
spect, although it is the aim to retain the original
lines and structures as far as possible in order not
to interfere with old associations or to mar the senti-
ment of the old members.
Housing in Germany
In Cassell, a city of 170,000 population, 5,400 per-
sons are without homes, according to the report of
104
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
the city housing commission, which is "rationing"
rooming houses and hotels in an effort to shelter
everybody during the winter months.
Because of the great shortage of houses, due to
suspension of building operations during the war,
it has been necessary to house large numbers some-
times in a single room. Regardless of ability to pay,
the citizens now are compelled to occupy only such
room as is absolutely essential and the extra space is
apportioned among the homeless.
The "housing problem," while under the jurisdic-
tion of a special commission, really is controlled by
the police who keep a record of dwellings and the
number of occupants and report their findings to the
commission.
Owing to the high price of building material and
the labor shortage, unrelieved in spite of the an-
nouncement that there is a large, undiminishing
number of unemployed, building operations virtually
are at a standstill.
Trying to Save Gobelins
Representatives of all the Austrian associations
devoted to science and art have protested to Chan-
cellor Mayr against the contemplated pledging of the
priceless Gobelin tapestries owned by the Govern-
ment as security for food supplies. It has been pro-
posed that the tapestries be pledged for $1,000,000
to secure two months' flour rations from the United
States.
Steamboat service on the lakes of Upper Austria
and in the Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria,
Styria and Salzburg were recently suspended because
of the excessive overhead expenses.
Rare Rembrandt Stolen
Rembrandt's landscape, "After the Thunder-
storm," is stolen from a private owner in Hamburg,
Germany. It supposedly was shipped to the United
States on board the steamer Mongolia, which sailed
the day after the theft.
The painting is on wood. It is sixty-five centi-
metres in length and forty-nine centimetres high. It
is said- to be valued at $2,000,000.
For a Bureau of Housing
A bill proposing the creation of a Bureau of Build-
ing Construction and Housing in the Department of
Commerce has been introduced by Senator Calder of
New York on recommendation of the special com-
mittee which has been considering reconstruction
problems, especially the nation-wide housing situa-
tion.
"The bill,' said Senator Calder, "provides for a
bureau in the Department of Commerce, which will
be a clearing house for all information concerning
building construction matters and particularly hous-
ing. It is recommended by the leading architects
and builders of the country, and it is believed that
its operation will bring about a standardization of
structural units and material and conservation in
general building matters that will be most helpful in
cheapening construction."
City Bureau to Plan Homes
In anticipation of a great home-building boom in
the spring, the appointment of an architectural bu-
reau is being urged in one of the larger cities accord-
ing to the Concord (N. H.) Monitor.
It would be the duty of this bureau to consult with
prospective builders in any locality and to give what-
ever aid and advice it could to insure a fine general
appearance of the entire neighborhood ; to see that
building restrictions were complied with, and where
former restrictions are not sufficient for present
needs, to urge adaptations of plans so that adjacent
property need not be harmed by cheapening struc-
tures.
Persons interested in establishing the bureau hold
that five groups of people are to be considered when
a new structure is contemplated. They are :
Those who live in the building.
Those who will live in the neighborhood of the
building.
Those who invest their money in the building.
Those who have invested their money in the neigh-
boring buildings or land.
All who see the building or are affected by it day
by day.
A committee which co-operated to harmonize all
these interests, even though its action be purely ad-
visory, could, with the aid of public opinion, become
a valuable adjunct to any community. Its counsel
would help to make a city beautiful. Beauty is al-
ways a boost to real estate values as. well as a source ~
of civic pride, and many of the architectural blunders
which result from innumerable individual operations
might be avoided in making a harmonious whole.
Important Housing Conference
A housing conference will be held by the National
Council of the Chmber of Commerce of the United
States at the New Willard Hotel, Washington, Janu-
ary 27 and 28.
The Origin of "Checks"
A few centuries ago, when the ability to read and
write was the exclusive property of a very few, the
business men of Europe, many of whom could not
even write the figures in which they dealt, employed
a system of computation something on the principle
105
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
of the Chinese Abacus or counting frame. A check-
erboard, it is learned, was placed between the two
parties to the transaction and payment was made by
matching one row of coins against another. In this
way, even if the merchants were unable to count to
a sum larger than ten, large transactions could be
accurately negotiated by checking the coins, row
after row, upon the checkerbord. From this prac-
tice accounts between business men came to be known
as checks.
This was the origin of the name of the little pieces
of paper which today are used, according to the esti-
mate of bankers, in fully 90 per cent, of all business
transactions.
News Notes in the Chicago Field
The Chicago city council rent committee is con-
sidering a plan for state legislation making resi-
dences and apartments public utilities and subject,
therefore, to rate rulings of the public utilities com-
mission. The plant was originally suggested by Dean
John H. Wigmore of the Northwestern University.
The Bestwall Manufacturing Company, manufac-
turers of wall-board, is moving its Chicago offices
to the main office at Buffalo, New York. The Chi-
cago location was at 332 South Michigan avenue.
The so-called "building trust" inquiry is now go-
ing before a federal grand jury in Chicago. The
probe relates to the alleged illegal arrangement be-
tween manufacturers, contractors and unions to for-
bid the use of non-union sash and door materials
from other cities in Chicago construction.
B. J. Rosenthal, president of the Chicago Housing
Association, estimates that 500,000 Chicagoans are
poorly, some of them miserably housed.
Efforts to save the Fine Arts Building of the old
World Fair group, because of its architectural beau-
ty are not proving very successful. The Illinois
Chapter of the American Institute of Architects is
preparing an estimate as to the cost of putting the
building into condition necessary to its preservation.
In the meantime, the use of the building has been
given to an American Legion post which proposes
to use it as an inside rifle range.
The Woodworkers' Employers' Association has
proposed to union carpenters that they accept a wage
reduction of 85 cents an hour on the premise that
it is better to work all week for 85 cents an hour
than two days a week at $1.10 an hour. The unions
rejected the suggestion.
Personals
Arthur S. Millinowski and John F. Druar have
become associated under the firm name of Druar &
Milinowski, consulting engineers, St. Pual, Minn.
Guy A. Carpenter has opened an office for the
practice of architecture in the Leggett Building,
Fairfield, la.
P. J. Rocker, architect, formerly at 15 East 40th
street, New York City, has moved his office to 6
East 46th street, that city.
Roger H. Bullard, architect, formerly connected
with the firm, Goodwin, Bullard & Woosley, is now
practicing on his own account at 15 West 33d street,
New York City.
James V. Tjhetford, architect, formerly of 71
Bremona street, Belleville, N. J., is now practicing
at 86 Malone avenue, that city.
Walter Williams, architect, is now located at 301
Fifth avenue, New York City. He was formerly at
420 Madison avenue.
Gregory B. Webb, architect, who was at 104 West
42d street, New York City, is now found at 1358
Broadway, that city.
A. J. Fisher, architect, has moved his office from
4011 North Robey street, Chicago, 111., to 2001
Greenleaf avenue.
Tilden & Register, architects, have moved from
the Franklin Bank Building, Philadelphia, Pa., to
1525 Locust street, that city.
Marchetti & D'Avino, architects, who were for-
merly located at 756 Main street, Hartford, Conn.,
are now practicing at Room 58, 721 Main street,
Hartford.
Herman D. Roller, architect, has opened an office
at 64 East Van Buren street, Chicago, 111.
Reilly & Hall have moved from 749 Fifth avenue,
New York, to 405 Lexington avenue, New York.
Morrell & Nichols, landscape architects and engi-
neers, are now located at 1200 Second avenue, South,
Minneapolis, Minn.
George M. Landsman, architect, has moved his
moved his office from the Bowery Bank Building,
New York City, to 105 West 40th street, that city.
106
Weekly Review of the Construction Field
With Reports of Special Correspondents in Regional Centers
Average Prices, 1914-1920
(Note the Swift Decline)
A Study of Prices*
PART I
The Reasons Leading to Advance and What Is Neces-
cessary to Bring About Their Orderly Decline;
the Manner in Which Prices Affect
Credit Conditions
By
EDMUND D. FISHER
VICE-PRESIDENT
BANK OF DETROIT
Editor's Note: Prices are the problem of the day.
In our issue of January 19 we stated that an article on "The
Architect's Relation to Price Declines" would appear in this issue.
The article which follows is an authoritative discussion of the funda-
mental principles of price advances and declines. It is intended as a
basic introduction to "The Architect's Relation to Price Declines,"
which will appear in an early issue.
AN old school rhetoric gives the following coup-
let as an example of figurative expression :
"The dashing waves with fury driven
Mount up and wash the face of Heaven."
During a storm at sea the power of the wind
makes successive series of waves, the causes of
which the observer is usually in no condition to an-
alyze. It is only in the peaceful period that follows
the storm that the thoughtful mind might study
the subject of wave formation and develop a the-
ory based upon the direct force of the wind in its
relation to the reaction from the water, the bottom
of the ocean, and the distant shore.
Similarly it is perhaps now possible, with the
storm of war subsided and with the experience of
a period of inflation and some measure of deflation,
to analyze the causes which make the successive
waves of price movement which characterize our
economic life. It may also be possible to develop
some principles of action to stabilize our govern-
mental and business relations in the period of defla-
tion before us.
In studying price relations in order to make the
analysis as simple as possible, it may be well to em-
phasize in advance that, as in the formation of the
waves of the ocean, there is a single initial force,
the varying power of the wind ; so in the price
•Copyrighted 1920 by Edmund B. Fisher.
changes of our business life there is also a single
initial force, the varying spending power of gov-
ernments and the people. It will be necessary,
therefore, to consider the direct changes in the
amount of money and credit used as spending
power in relation to a given volume of commod-
ities, and the relative amount so used when the
volume of commodities change.
Reference is frequently made to two forces af-
fecting prices — one the buying power (demand),
dependent upon the supply of actual money, bank
deposits, or the latent power of credit supporting
the purchaser; the other the selling power (sup--
ply), dependent upon the volume of cmmodities
or the amount of service to be sold. Both of these
tendencies are, of course, affected by a temporary
indisposition to either buy or sell at a given level
of prices, as we well know from present conditions.
But as price grows out of a definite relation to
the standard of value (gold), it should be consid-
ered as the result of a spending power which in-
creases or diminishes directly (increase or decrease
of money or credit), or relatively (increase or de-
crease of commodities), to the volume of trade.
Thus, although the standard remains fixed, the
value of the dollar in actual use increases or dimin-
ishes in relation to its own volume used as a spend-
ing power.
The principle to be established, therefore, is that
the average level of prices is determined by the
amount of money available as spending power.
This is effected by the amount of gold in reserve,
the volume of credit or currency which the gold
supports, and the actual amount of money in the
hands of the people. The greater the volume of
money or credit, the higher will be the price level,
production being relatively the same.
On the other hand, assuming production rela-
tively the same, the reverse is also true — the weaker
the spending power, as when money is hoarded or
when loans are called or paid, the lower will be
the price level. The operation of the principle to
which reference has been made is easily lost sight
of in the history of business experience, because,
although spending power is the dominant factor, it
is frequently confused with what are seemingly new
conditions, such as war and the variations in pro-
duction and selling power.
THE entire subject may, perhaps, be better
understood by a study of the following analysis :
107
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
COMMODITIES
INFLATION
MONEY
PRICES
Stated volume of
commodities at
prices then fixed
If money or
credit increases
Prices go up
Reduced volume
of commodities
Amount of mon-
ey or credit then
relatively in-
creases
Prices go up
Increased de- Amount of mon- Prices go up
m a n d reducing ey or credit then
commodities relatively in-
creases.
During such a movement as the foregoing, as
prices go up, the amount of credit and currency
also directly, as well as relatively, increases, made
necessary by the growing dollar amount of goods
to be moved, until restrained by diminishing gold
reserves or bank policy, impelled by increasing re-
discount rates.
DEFLATION
COMMODITIES MONEY PRICES
Stated volume of If money or Prices go off
commodities at credit decreases
prices then fixed
Increased volume Amount of mon-
of commodities ey or credit then
relatively d e -
creases
Reduced demand, Amount of mon-
relatively increas- ey or credit then
ing commodities relatively d e -
creases
Prices go off
Prices go off
During such a movement, as prices go off, the
amount of credit and currency, directly as well as
relatively, decreases, made possible by the lessen-
ing dollar amount of goods to be moved, until
stmiulated by increased gold reserves and a more
liberal bank policy, impelled by lowering redis-
count rates.
A PERIOD of inflation and deflation may be
pictured as a definite wave of price move-
ment; but like the ocean, there are short waves and
long waves. The price waves range from the move-
s that grow out of the day to day fluctuations
of the market to the long "ground swell" that seems
us extends over a long period of years These
movements are all operating constantly, are com-
plexly interrelated, and grow out of the variations
of spending power with the reactions from varia-
tions m production and demand. A disintegration
of these movements, however, would seem to de-
natiL%rIy C°mprehensive classification, elimi-
nating all temporary and superficial day to day price
PRICE CHANGES
Seasonal Movement: Reactions from seasonal varia-
tions in production and demand.
Anuual Movement: Reactions from variations in an-
nual production.
Credit Movement : Direct result of varying amounts
of bank credit and currency.
Gold Movement: Direct result of variations of
world gold production.
Seasonal variations in prices are, of course, famil-
iar to the business and buying world. Business
men are also vitally interested in the statistics of
annual production, as the increase or decrease of
the principal crops in the reaction on spending
power frequently makes important, though tem-
porary price changes.
The credit movement is a short period swing in
prices. Without direct relation to the increase or
decrease of gold, a spending power develops and
recedes through the expansion and contraction of
credit and currency. Beginning at a period when
bank reserves are high and money is "easy," a
growing business activity in all lines fosters a
growth of loans made on both a sound and un-
sound economic basis. While individual loans made
in such a period of expansion may be perfectly
good from the standpoint of ultimate payment, the
composite influence of many loans that are not self-
liquidating, such as mortgages, loans on stocks and
bonds, and government securities, merely adds to
the spending power of the period and directly op-
erates to increase prices. The higher level of prices
thus established necessarily increases the dollar vol-
ume needed to conduct future trade, and so an end-
less chain of increased loans and higher prices is
established. The emergency brake is finally jammed
on, and the financial gears thrown into reverse, and
there occurs the liquidation of loans and the reduc-
tion of currency, with the consequent diminishment
of spending power.
The gold movement, a long swing period in
prices, is usually very sluggish, and is characterized
by the basic variations in spending power caused
by the economic effect of variations in gold pro-
duction. As gold is the basis of bank reserves and
currency issues, its gradual change in volume has
an ultimate under-current effect upon all price
movements.
(To be continued.)
(Special Correspondence to AMERICAN ARCHITECT)
SEATTLE.— Jobbers of the Pacific Coast terri-
tory report that the outside steel mills have hori-
zontally met the Corporation price and are trying
to -convince the retail and investment construction
ade that rock-bottom has been struck for the sea-
on and that a delay in placements bevond May 1
will mean higher prices for them. Stocks on hand
are now well balanced. The overstock is sufficient
108
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
to meet any sudden movement in early spring
months.
The feeling toward building for 1921 is changing
rapidly. Optimism has replaced the pessimism of
December, and there is increasing evidence of con-
fidence among investors and builders. Architects
. report that builders are now convinced that the
"holding off" policy for lower prices is now futile.
Building labor is producing at normal per capita,
new projects are slowly being released, the lumber
market has undoubtedly struck bottom (as shown
in the stationary bottom for the past two weeks),
mill-; are resuming operations, and labor costs have
been reduced.
Wholesale and jobbing interests are co-operating
in the tail-end liquidation, now believed to be well
over. Minor reductions in building hardware dur-
ing the week are putting the finishing touches on
the orderly process. Larger operators believe steel
will sustain itself, in view of demand and fair gross
margins instituted by the mills after the war.
Representatives of eastern roofing who sent out
flunkeys with order books during the war to look
over the territory and book orders merely because
the demand far exceeded the supply are to come in
for castigation by jobbers. The houses which took
unfair advantage during the war are in process of
elimination from the territory.
Roofing prices are now on the past four months'
levels. There is an oversupply, and liberal offerings.
Three cement plants are now in full operation after
two had been closed wholly or in part for six
months. One attended to the export production,
one closed entirely, and the third was on half time.
This represents the total cement production, nor-
mally heavy, in the North Pacific territory.
Average prices received at the fir mills during the
week at the mill were $59 to $54 for vertical grain
flooring, $29 for No. 2 slash grain flooring, $51 for
finish, $25 to $28 for ceiling, $31 for drop siding,
$15 to $20 for boards and shiplap based on sizes,
$23.50 to $14.50 for dimension, $19.50 to $21.50
for plank and small timbers, and 26 for big timbers.
The fir log market declined this week from $18, $24
and $32 to $12, $14 and $20, and wages in the fir
mills and logging camps are down 25 per cent., with
no remonstrance from the men due to the unem-
ployment situation.
Red cedar shingles are steady on a speculative
rather than an order basis, and stocks on hand in
British Columbia, Washington and Oregon, the
scene of production, are under normal at 500,000,000
shingles, exclusive of transits and held for disposal
at reconsigning points. Manufacturers are refusing
to sell on the present price to the trade of $1.85 to
$1.95 for stars and $2.00 to $2.10 for clears, 20-20
or "square" pack basis, which has superseded the old
per 1,000 basis.
Seattle's building record for 1920 fell little short
of that of 1919 according to the figures of the city
building department. With the issuance of the per-
mit for the 10-story Class A structure now in the
last steel stages by the Pacific Telephone and Tele-
graph Company the total for the year was brought
up to $13,500,000, as against $15,000,000 for 1919.
The contract for construction of the nurses' build-
ing at the Puget Sound navy yard, Bremerton (17
miles from Seattle), was let to Swennson & Co.,
contractors, of Seattle.
(Special Correspondence to AMERICAN ARCHITECT)
CHICAGO. — The building public here is indulg-
ing in a "buyers' strike" and is waiting for the actual
materialization of the now famous rock-bottom
basis. The endless circle of cause and effect — lum-
bermen blaming materials men, materials men blam-
ing labor, and labor blaming the high cost of living
— is blocking building here for a while, at least.
When this is disposed of, and actual materialization
of rock-bottom prices comes into existence, there is
no doubt that building will go forward in Chicago
in a manner never before witnessed.
The principal hope for this stabilization of the
condition lies in the conference of all the varied
industries in the building trades, which will take
place here January 21-22 and in which keen interest
is shown on every hand. President-elect Harding
has written John H. Kirby, president of the Na-
tional Lumber Manufacturers' Association, recalling
the recent visit made to him by officials of the as-
sociation and expressing the hope that the confer-
ence will result in a plan which will serve to revive
building and lessen unemployment. Mr. Harding
also points out that this conference may very well
inspire other lines of industry to do likewise.
Labor is contributing its share to readjustment a
trifle more readily than in the past. Far-seeing
labor leaders are encouraging labor leaders to bear
some of the shock of the readjustment period. Un-
employment is unconsciously helping in this, but
there is distinctly a tendency toward more active
participation, a "day's work for a day's pay" now
coming more generally into favor. Wages remain
upon about the same levels, though longer working
days are announced by several firms, notably the
Pullman Company, the nine-hour schedule having
been established in some of the construction depart-
ments, over the protest of the employes. This af-
fects two thousand men in Chicago, and possibly
some in the Pullman works in Buffalo and Wil-
mington, Delaware.
Unemployment here has been exaggerated by va-
109
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
rious sources, some putting the number of unem-
ployment at 200,000. But George H. Burns, in
charge of the Chicago District of the Department
of Labor, maintains that his figures show about
90,000 men out of work in this district.
Excellent progress is reported in connection with
the new union station. It is intended now to com-
plete the building in two years. The completed
building, trackage and the like will cost about
$60,000,000.
The Wrigley building, which for a time at least
is to be Chicago's most conspicuous office building,
is now almost ready for tenants.
Plans are under way for a new $1,500,000 build-
ing in the so-called "Link District," which is an
extension of Upper Michigan Avenue. The build-
ing will be twelve stories, at Erie Street and Mich-
igan Avenue, will contain shops of the smarter sort
on the ground floor, and will be one of the units
designed to cause New Yorkers to grow green with
envy when they contemplate the beauties of the
upper reaches of aristocratic Michigan Boulevard.
Chicago is to have a million-dollar temple to
Bahai, if present plans mature. It will be an ar-
chitectural novelty, situated on an eight-acre tract
in Wilmette, an exclusive North Shore suburb, will
be 160 feet high, with a round base 160 feet in
diameter. There will be nine sides, with a door in
each side, typifying the doors by which the devotees
of the nine principal faiths may enter the temple
and the faith of Bahai. Henry J. Burth, of Hola-
bird & Roche, architects, is structural engineer for
the temple. Application has been made for a build-
ing permit.
Costs of lumber and other building materials
have undergone no recent change of importance.
Present Chicago quotations are:
Yellow Pine: B. & B. 1-in., $95 to $130, depend-
ing on thickness; 2x4, No. 1, 10 to 16 ft. length,
$51 to $53; 2x6, $48; 2 x 8, $50; 2 x 10, $53;
2 x 12, $55 ; 13-16 x 3>4 z & b flat flooring, $85 to
$90; 1x6, No. 2 common, $48 to $90. Douglas
Fir: 2 4 S, in sizes up to 12 x 12. in length up to
32 ft., $65 to $70; 14 x 14, $68 to $73; 16 x 16,
$72 to $75; 18 x 18, $75 to $80. Hard Maple:
Four, % No. 1 and 2, $135; select, $120; No. 1
common, $100; No. 2 common, $65 ; No. 3 common,
$32. Birch: Four l/4 No. 1 and 2, $160; select, $133
to $138 ; No. 1 common, $95 to $100 ; No. 2 common,
$60 to $65 ; No. 3 common, $40. Red Gum: Four
14 No. 1 and 2, $150; No. 1 common, $90 to $92;
No. 2 common, $45.
Face Brick— Standard, vitrified red, $32.00@
34.00; Smooth, Indiana red, $38.00@40.00 ; Smooth
Ohio red, $38.00@40.00 ; Smooth, Pennsylvania red,
$46.00@48.00; Smooth, buff, $45.00@47.00;
Smooth, gray, $47.00@49.00 ; Rough, buff, $44.00
@46.00; Rough, gray, $47.00@49.00 ; Variegated,
rough texture, $34.00@49.00.
Common brick, $16.00 per M. Portland cement,
$3.00 per bbl. Torpedo — Lake and bank sand, $3.50
per yd. Crushed stone, gravel screenings, $3.50 per
yd. Hydrated lime, Ohio, paper, $22.00 per ton.
Hydrated lime, Ohio, cloth, $29.00 per ton. (In-
cludes sacks at 30c. each.) Hydrated lime, Wis.
paper, $20.00 per ton. Bulk lime, $1.75 per ton.
(Special Correspondence to AMERICAN ARCHITECT)
BOSTON. — The optimistic tone noted at the be-
ginning of the new year was justified in a great
many instances, but there is still much ground to
be recovered.
The opening of many of the larger textile mills,
a better sentiment in the woolen market in Boston,
a return of confidence in the shoe and leather in-
dustries, all point to better things. Shoe sales
amounting to $10,000,000 during the recent National
Shoe Retailers' Association in Milwaukee indicate
the beginning of the end of the so-called "retailers'
strike" which curtailed buying for a long period.
One cloud in the bright building outlook in New
England loomed up recently, when the United Build-
ing Trades Council of Boston, representing about
30,000 building mechanics, voted to reject the pro-
posed 90-cent per hour agreement offered by the
Building Trades Employers' Association, a cut of
ten cents an hour from the old agreement. Contrac-
tors interviewed by your correspondent see little to
worry about in the situation, considering the move
ill-timed just now, when there exists a large excess
of workers, due to scarcity of building projects.
General opinion looks for a satisfactory settlement
of the matter before spring building starts.
Your correspondent finds that contracts awarded
for the week ending January 11 would appear to
indicate a typical situation. For 1920, for that week,
contracts awarded amounted to $2,175,000 as com-
pared to $5,145,000 for the corresponding period in
1920; $722,000 for 1919; $2,602,000 for 1918;
$2,048,000 for 1917, and $3,248,000 for 1916.
110
•0
yUt
g
s
it
ft;
^
^
THEAMERICAN ARCHITECT
VOL. CXIX
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1921
NUMBER 2354
SHERBOURNE HOUSE CLUB
ROBERT SIMPSON COMPANY, LTD, TORONTO, CANADA
N. MAX DUNNING, ARCHITECT
The Work of N. Max Dunning
THE practice of architecture is of two classes
considered as to its location. One may have
his work confined to one locality, another
may have his work widely distributed throughout
the country. In the former case fellow architects and
the public are familiar with his work and his posi-
tion is well defined ; in the latter this condition may
not exist and then it is by assemblage that study and
appraisal is possible. It is in this latter class that
the work of N. Max Dunning, F. A. I. A., is placed,
as his work is widely distributed, literally from Hali-
fax to Los Angeles. Here are illustrated several
examples of Mr. Dunning's work, indicating its scope
and character.
The -great mail-order corporations in America are
'but few in number. The two largest in the United
States have their headquarters in Chicago and prac-
tically all of their buildings, including numerous
large branch plants, have been designed by archi-
tects. The buildings of the great Canadian mail-
order house. The Robert Simpson Company, Ltd.,
have been designed by Mr. Dunning. The main
plant, located at Toronto, is characteristic of the
branch homes located at Regina and Halifax. The
Toronto building is eleven stories and basement in
height and of sufficient ground area to present an
imposing appearance. The greater portion of the
wall surface is entirely composed of glass, excepting
the spandrels. This scheme always presents a diffi-
cult problem for architectural treatment. The main
exposed exterior structural members are made of
concrete with brick paneled spandrels.
At each end of the principal elevation is a three
bay pavilion, the center bay projecting. The vertical
members are heavy and of substantial proportions,
with an attendant reduction of the glass areas, pro-
vision for shadow effects, concentration of ornamen-
tation and emphasized cornice. The three principal
divisions of the elevation are well balanced, the
extremely plain central area is relieved by the
more pronounced end pavilions and withal a
simplicity of designing which satisfies. The
five story building at Halifax is designed with the
same central portion of glass excepting the spandrels.
In the Regina building, one half of which has been
constructed, all of the vertical structural members
are expo'-ecl. The corner pavilions are designed with
great simplicity and effectiveness. This building of-
Cofyright, 1931, The Architectural <f Building Press (Inc.)
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
fers an excellent opportunity to compare the effect
of the exposed vertical structural members with the
buildings in which these members are behind the
windows.
In connection with the Toronto project a dormi-
tory building was erected to house the female em-
ployees of The Robert Simpson Company, Ltd., and
the surplus accommodations allotted to art and other
students. It is quite an extensive building but the
funds available limited its design to service only and
with little attempt to secure exterior architectural ef-
fect. The dormitory was constructed at the rear of
extensive grounds surrounding an old mansion on
Sherhourai Street. The residence was remodelled
cers are located on the first floor, the general office-
on the second floor and in the basement are the mul-
tigraphing, stationary, mailing, filing and exhibit
rooms. In addition there is a men's and women's
lunch room with kitchenette, a nurse's, examination
and quiet rooms for the social service department;
barber shop, shower baths, boiler and fan rooms;
large vaults are provided on each floor.
The Stromberg Motor Device Building, Chicago,
has a special roof construction over the sixth story
which is used as a brass foundry. A description of
this roof was published in THE AMERICAN ARCHI-
TECT/Sept. 1, 1920, page 291.
To adapt a plan to an irregular shaped area is al-
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
BUILDING FOR ROBERT SIMPSON CO, LTD., TORONTO, CANADA
N. MAX DUNNING, ARCHITECT
and with the extensions provides the occupants of
the dormitory with reception rooms, club rooms and
grounds, comprising a most satisfactory plant.
The buildings of the National Cloak and Suit
Company at Kansas City, Mo., are designed along
similar lines. The plant is being constructed in sec-
tions with detached power house. Ample ground
space permits the arrangement of complete railroad
and vehicular transportation service. The office
building for the Simmons Manufacturing Company
at Kenosha, Wis., is a good example of the modern
detached office building of a large manufacturing
company. The private offices of the executive offi-
ways an interesting problem, especially when the
floors are divided for different purposes. The Hotel
Winton faces two streets which are not parallel and •
an adjoining property cuts out a corner on the rear.
Being located on inside lots it was necessary to use
three courts to provide light to guest rooms. The
typical floor plan shows a large number of rooms
equally well lighted. The public rooms are in the
basement, first and mezzanine floors. The power
plant and laundry are located in an adjoining build-
ing. The lobby, lounge and various dining rooms
are large, well proportioned and very conveniently
arranged. The decorative details are generally in
112
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
low relief and simple. The colors applied and the
woods and marbles used are quiet in tone and very
harmonious. The principal elevation is of a red brick
and light colored terra cotta. There are no extreme
projections in any of the parts and the satisfactory
impression produced is due to the disposition of the
well proportioned openings and the well placed hori-
zontal members.
The Bethany Bible School is designed to be a com-
plete institution in which there are provided dormi-
tories, lecture halls and a chapel. The buildings are
arranged about a city block with a large quadrangle
in the center. Thece buildings were erected during
BUILDING FOR ROBERT SIMPSON CO., LTD.,
MUTUAL STREET, TORONTO, CANADA
N. MAX DUNNING, ARCHITECT
a period of years and are of sufficiently varied design
to present an interesting appearance.
The building of the American Book Company,
Chicago, is a very substantial and well proportioned
structure. The offices are located in the top story
and the balance of the building used for the storage
of books, shipping and receiving departments. The
exterior is faced with a rough faced red brick com-
bined with very simple and effective terra cotta sills,
caps and belt courses. The designing is simple,
slight projections of the vertical members, the heavy
projections of the belt courses and deep window re-
veals provide excellent shadow effects. The treat-
ment of the first and fifth stories provides the needed
additional surface effects. In the tower are placed
the sprinkler and house service tanks.
Among other buildings designed by Mr. Dunning
BUILDING FOR ROBERT SIMPSON CO., LTD.,
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA
N. MAX DUNNING, ARCHITECT
,are the Dixon National Bank and the Dixon Home
Telephone Company buildings at Dixon, 111. ; the
Kenosha Hospital and the Newell Memorial Chapel
at Kenosha, Wis. ; the Fourteenth Church of Christ,
Scientist, and the Oak Park Baptist Church, de-
signed in association with C. A. Jensen and E. E.
BUILDING FOR ROBERT SIMPSON CO., LTD.,
REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN. VIKW TAKEN
DURING CONSTRUCTION
N. MAX DUNNING, ARCHITECT
Roberts, respectively. Of the residences designed
by Mr. Dunning, that of Mr. Robert J. Thorne at
Lake Forest, 111., is the most important. This was
designed in association with John W. McKecknie
113
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
BUILDING FOR
NATIONAL CLQAK AND
SUIT COMPANY
KANSAS CITY, MO.
N. MAX DUNNING,
ARCHITECT
y
PLOT PLAN
114
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
BIRD'S-EYE VIEW
PLOT PLAN
BUILDINGS FOR THE BETHANY BIBLE SCHOOL, CHICAGO.
N. MAX DUNNING, ARCHITECT
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
of Kansas City. These it is proposed to illustrate in
succeeding issues.
It is apparent that the hasis of Mr. Dunning's de-
signs is a careful study of the elementary require-
ments of the project. On these is erected the de-
sign in a simple and logical manner, with careful
consideration being given to the materials employed.
There is no striving for effects not consistent with
the requirements of the building, neither is there
evidence of adaptations from other works. Sim-
plicity, charm and dignity characterize the work as
they are characteristic of the designer.
OFFICE BUILDING FOR SIMMONS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, KENOSHA, WIS.
N. MAX DUNNING, ARCHITECT
Architectural Registration Matters
HAVING received from E. I. Du Pont De
Nemours & Co., Inc., of Wilmington, Del.,
certain inquiries as to the various states in
which there are registration laws or other legislation
controlling the practice of architecture, we referred
the letter to the secretary of the National Council
of Architectural Registration Boards.
The reply to this letter was so thoroughly pre-
pared that we are presenting it herewith in the belief
that it will be of wide interest:
"Gentlemen :
"Your letter of December 16, 1920, addressed to
the Architectural & Building Press, Inc., 243 W.
39th street, New York City, has been referred to me
for reply by Mr. W. H. Crocker, editor of THE
AMERICAN ARCHITECT.
"A list of the states having laws regulating the
practice of architecture is regularly published in
the Journal of the American Institute of Architects,
see latest list, December, 1920, page VII. The re-
quirements of the laws in the different states vary
greatly. A digest of these laws would involve labor
so extensive, that I am sure that you would not ex-
pect anyone to furnish you with such information
without adequate remuneration.
"On November 18 and 19 there was held in St.
Louis, Missouri, a meeting of the registration officers
of the various states having registration laws. And
there were in attendance at this meeting representa-
tives from seventeen states out of the twenty having
registration laws. And there were also present rep-
resentatives from a considerable number of states
which have laws pending in their respective legisla-
116
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
tures. As a result of this conference, which lasted
two days, the meeting unanimously resolved to form
a National Council of Architectural Registration
Boards, which, among other duties, should act as a
clearing house for information regarding architects
who might desire reciprocal transfer from one state
to another.
"I am enclosing copy of Constitution and By-Law.-;
of this organization, and beg to say that the organiza-
tion will be completed and ready to function on or
about the second of January, 1921. This organiza-
tion will be able to offer a great convenience to
architects doing interstate business. Of course, as
it is purely a voluntary organization, and no state
board can surrender its function under the various
state laws, it must depend for its value largely upon
the spirit of co-operation, which was manifest in the
council meeting held in St. Louis.
"One may be entitled to practice architecture under
the registration laws in a particular state and not
entitled to transfer to another state, due to the
stringent requirements of the laws in the state to
which the architect desires transfer. To eliminate
this difficulty and avoid taking a number of examina-
tions, the council proposes to issue a standard N. C.
A. R. examination, which when one has taken will
be deemed sufficient evidence of competency to en-
title that person to registration in any state in the
United States ; due to the fact that the standard N. C.
A. R. examination questions will require the candi-
date to pass an examination at least equivalent to the
requirements of every state in the United States.
I would strongly recommend every architect who
expects to engage in interstate business to prepare
and take the standard N. C. A. R. examination.
"It is expected that these examinations will be
given by the state examining committee in the state
where the man resides or in the state nearest to his
residence. But the questions will be prepared by the
National Council. The procedure will be about as
follows :
"The applicant for a standard N. C. A. R. exam-
ination will file a fee of twenty-five dollars and
apply to the National Council of Architectural Reg-
istration Boards for a standard N. C. A. R. examina-
tion, and will designate the state nearest his residence
where he wishes to be examined. The council will
then investigate the examination requirements of
that particular state and prepare additional questions
to cover the requirements of other states in addition
to the requirements of that state, make an investiga-
tion of the applicant's record in practice, certify to
same and turn over to the officials where the appli-
cant wishes to be examined. The applicant will
then file an application for examination in the state
where he wishes to be examined, stating that he
wishes to take a N. C. A. R. standard examination.
He will then appear before the local state committee
and take the regular state examination and the addi-
tional N. C. A. R. examination; and if successful in
the examination, the local state examining committee
will certify that he has passed the state examination,
also the standard N. C. A. R. requirements.
"A certificate of this kind and an application from
the National Council of Architectural Registration
Boards will entitle the applicant to registration in
any state in the United States upon the payment of
fees without appearing or examination, provided he
keeps his record clear as to honesty, integrity and
discreet caution in practice. Thus a competent archi-
tect may dispose once for all of examination require-
ments. Should an architect not wish to take the
standard N. C. A. R. examination, but wish to be
transferred from one state of registration to an-
other state of registration, his procedure would be
about as follows :
"He would apply to the National Council of Archi-
tectural Registration Boards for an application blank
and pay a fee of fifteen dollars, fill out this applica-
tion blank and return to the National Council. The
council would then carefully investigate his record
of practice in the state where he resides or in any
other state where he is registered to practice. This
would include correspondence with his clients, the
local architectural societies, fellow architects and a
transcript of his record with his own state examining
committee. This material, carefully collected,
collated and certified to, would be transferred by the
council to the registration officials of the state where
he wishes to enter practice and would be used by the
examining committee of that state as evidence to
determine his eligibility for registration in that
state. If his previous examination was equal in
standard to the state where he wished to be trans-
ferred and his record in practice without blemish,
he would in all probability be granted a certificate
showing his right to" practice architecture in the
state receiving the report of the council. And would
thus be saved the time, expense and delay of a per-
sonal appearance at an examination in the state in
question. Should he fail in the examination in ques-
tion and so desire, the council would refund his appli-
cation fee. Should he wish to be transferred to still
another state, he should file an application for addi-
tional transfer to the council and pay a fee of five
dollars, upon which the council would investigate
his record during the interim between his former
investigation and the time of second application,
make a transcript of his complete record and trans-
mit to the additional state where he may desire reg-
istration. And this procedure would be followed in
as many transfers as the applicant might wish to
make.
"In the case of an architect who had received regis-
117
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
tration in the state where he resided on account of the
'exemption clause' and because of years of practice
at the time the law went into effect, he would not be
entitled to registration in another state without ex-
amination, as no other state would be under legal
obligation to accept him without examination. In
consequence, architects who have received registra-
tion under the 'exemption clause' are urged to
waive that right and be registered in their home
state by examination. The council is recommending
that in all such cases the form of examination for
architects of ten or more years' independent practice
of the profession of architecture as principal in
charge of an architectural office, that these architects
be given a special examination by exhibits in which
they shall submit to the examining committee plans,
specifications and detail of a number of their more
representative buildings and appear before the com-
mittee with these exhibits, answering such questions
as shall be put to them tending to indicate that they
were the real authors of the work, notwithstanding
the fact that the drafting and clerical work may have
been executed by others under their supervision.
And if, in the judgment of the examining committee,
they show a record in practice indicating competency
equal to or in excess of the competency that might
be indicated by a written examination prepared in
accordance with the law, they should certify to the
proper authorities their right to registration by
examination.
"Architects of ten or more years' practice residing
in states where there are no laws regulating the
practice of architecture should take such an examina-
tion as above indicated in the state having registra-
tion laws nearest to where they reside.
"E. S. HALL, Secretary.
"National Council of Architectural Registration
Chicago Boards."
HOUSE OF F. W. PENFIELD, GLENCOE, ILL.
N. MAX DUNNING, ARCHITECT
118
American Specification Institute
We are heartily in favor of the movement sug-
gested in your editorial of November 17. Such an
organization as "The American Specification Insti-
tute," whose object should be to increase the knowl-
edge of its membership, in relation to the prepara-
tion of definite specifications, should receive the
hearty support of every practicing architect.
Your editorial in November 17, of THE AMERICAN
ARCHITECT speaks the truth in relation to altogether
too many specifications when you charge that "The
preparation of specifications receives less study and
attention in proportion to their importance than any
other phase of architectural or engineering practice."
The growth and development of the very compli-
cated work of the present day architect calls for the
fullest development of every branch of his service.
Heretofore much effort has been put upon the de-
velopment of carefully wrought drawings and de-
tails covering all the various parts of the work. This
is as it should be, and in so doing the architect has
kept pace with the almost abnormal requirements.
The work of preparing the specifications was pushed
aside as of not much importance ; however, it has
been found that as a companion of complete and ac-
curate drawings which together form the basis of
every contract, the specifications should have the
same careful consideration and be prepared by those
experienced and skilled in specification work.
As the work under the care of the architect be-
comes more and more complicated and important,
the necessity of perfect (if possible) specifications
will be more and more apparent.
Too often the specifications only meant so many
typewritten pages to be discarded by the builder be-
cause of their discrepancies and meaningless and
impossible requirements, indicating a lack of knowl-
edge of good construction principles, the proper use
of materials and equipment.
Specifications should be accurate and definite the
same as is required of the drawings.
SAMUEL HANNAFORD & SONS.
Cincinnati, O.
Replying to your letter of November 24, I have
been greatly interested by your editorial of Novem-
ber 17. on the American Specification Institute.
Specification writing has undoubtedly lagged far be-
hind the advancing standard of architectural prac-
tice generally. Your proposal to give prominence to
this work is exactly in the right direction.
JOHN GALEN HOWARD.
San Francisco, Cal.
I concur in almost every detail with your editorial
and feel that there is need for a better set of specifi-
cations than is now adopted by the average archi-
tects' offices, and it appears to me that the formation
of a specification institute would be a much needed
service that can be rendered to architects.
G. LLOYD PREACHER.
Augusta, Ga.
We are in receipt of your letter of November 24
asking our opinion of The American Specification
Institute.
We cannot entirely indorse the statement that
the specifications are the least creditable part of an
architect's production. The object of both drawings
and specifications is to form a definite basis for esti-
mating and construction, and in our experience ques-
tions arise due to the defects in one as much as the
other. It is axiomatic that better information and
education are desirable.
As to The American Specification Institute, how-
ever, your article does not give sufficient particulars
on which an opinion may be formed. Is this an as-
sociation of specification writers? If so, who is
getting it up? What are the objects and how may
membership in it be obtained? We should be glad
to receive further information on the subject.
CARRERE & HASTINGS.
New York, N. Y.
In answer to yours of November 24 in regard to
the American Specification Institute, I am much in-
terested and would like to know more about this.
I thought that our Structural Service Committee
of the American Institute of Architects was doing
this work and doing it well. At present I see no rea-
son for a rival organization.
I await your next letter with interest.
H. J. CARLSON.
Boston, Mass.
Your letter of November 24 referring to editorial
of November 17 received, and we are glad to inform
you that we heartily approve of the plan.
Whether the formation of an institute is the ideal
thing to do we are unable to state, but some good,
sound articles on specification work, in your maga-
zine, will certainly be of great value to every archi-
tect.
MALCOMSON, HIGGINBOTHAM & PALMER,
per C. WM. PALMER.
Detroit, Mich.
119
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Old State House, Newport
(See reproduction of original drawing by O. R. Eggers on opposite page)
The public buildings designed during our early Colonial
period are, in general, excellent in design.
While simple in style they have a certain elegance that
may properly furnish inspiration to modern builders. It
is in its disciplined and almost universal refinement and
dignity that lies the chief beauty of this work. Even when
the early builders sought to venture on display they seemed
to possess an innate sense of good breeding which taught
them to avoid the vulgar and the eccentric.
This rugged refinement is shown in the fact that classic
detail was a common language, and even the humblest
carpenter was able to use it with intelligence and appro-
priateness to express the joy he evidently found in his work.
The State House at Newport was built in IJ43> ana
Richard Munday was its architect. Olaff C. Revin, writing
in the Georgian period of Munday and his work, states:
"This building is symmetrical, well proportioned and quiet.
For suggestion Munday depended on the type then in
vogue. The dimensions are forty feet by eighty.
Honestly constructed of brick and stone, it bravely promises
to weather the seasons for many generations to come."
Some critics of the architecture of our Colonial period
have contended that, while its purity and classic beauty
cannot be questioned, it was nevertheless based purely on
domestic types. This State House at Newport is cited as
a case to prove this contention.
120
OLD STATE HOUSE, NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT S.ri,, of Etrl, Amtri,,n ArthiMtur,
Ignoring Our American Art
ELSEWHERE in this issue there appears a news
item stating that Frank Brangwyn, the English
painter and etcher, has accepted a commission to
decorate the dome of the state capitol in Jefferson
City.
The Missouri press, seeing only the obvious result,
passes by the deeper, more subtle one, and enthusias-
tically congratulates Missouri on its selection of an
artist.
We do not challenge Mr. Brangwyn's competence
to carry forward the work in hand. He will doubt-
less undertake it with that same spirit and skill
which has been at the base of his success. But the
question must be asked, why was this important work
not assigned to some American artist. It would have
been an opportunity that might with advantage to
American art have been availed of, for if the Ameri-
can spirit is to prevail anywhere, surely an American
cSpitol building would suggest itself.
American art will be slow to arouse world interest
if Americans themselves give such evidence of lack-
ing confidence. If America herself is indifferent
to her genius, where can she hope for the respect she
craves from the old, sophisticated nations across the
seas? Why should the decoration in an American
capitol building express the feeling of one whose
traditions have nothing in common with American
traditions and whose work is necessarily colored by
other and foreign ideals ? This great country is not
without its genius, but genius needs to be appreciated.
It is an injustice to American artists to deny them
the opportunity for service. It is against the spirit
of American art to assign so typically American a
commission to one without "America first" in his
heart. It is against the interests of America to ignore
its home product and go so far afield for talent.
This country is famous for the way it has adver-
tised its own powers. It has developed its resources,
encouraged its commerce, cheered and boosted every-
thing American. It would seem a duty for those in
charge of art matters to do their part to stimulate
American art also and help it to those heights which
give us pride in other things American.
Where Does the "Evil" Lie?
/T^HE New York American of February 14
•*- printed a long and misleading editorial on the
"evils" of the so-called Esch-Cummins law. "Each
day," this newspaper stated in a headline, "Reveals
New Evil in the Esch-Cummins Law."
Now, there is much that is good and much that
is bad in that editorial. It is of vital interest to every
architect in the country, because an architect's bread
is buttered by no one factor more than efficient trans-
portation. The so-called Calder Committee (the
Senate's Special Committee on Reconstruction and
Production) very clearly proved that. Housing all
over the country progressed or stopped in direct ratio
to the effectiveness of the transportation facilities to
and from any given point. This, of course, was a
self-evident fact before the investigation was begun .
by the Committee. Whatever Senator Calder and
his colleagues unearthed merely substantiated a fact
of which all architects were only too well aware. In
any industrial scheme as complex as ours, transporta-
tion necessarily must play one of the most important
parts.
Knowing that, architects should be, and undoubt-
edly are, familiar with the provisions of the Esch-
Cummins law. The point most at issue just now is
the recent contracts which the private managers have
made with private repair companies for the repair
of locomotives and cars. It is contended that the
railroads have always maintained their own repair
.shops, and have kept the accounts of the average
costs of repairing engines and cars. This average
cost was between $4,000 and $5,000 for a locomo-
tive, but today the repairs are said to cost about $20.-
000 per locomotive, due to the fact that the repairs
are done by private companies, not directly con-
nected with the railroads, but "controlled" by the fi-
nancial interests which maintain the Class 1 rail-
roads [the Pennsylvania and other large systems].
If this be true, the railroads are most certainly at
fault and should be made to continue their repairs
under the old scheme, because under this new ar-
rangement, the total cost of repairs to locomotives
and to cars is more than $750,000,000 a year.
121
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
THIS would be all right, if the railroads them-
selves met this huge expense. But they do not
meet it. The Esch-Cummins law provides that the
stockholders of the railroads shall have 6l/2 per cent,
dividends, but under the "guarantee" system and
the high rates made necessary to meet that arbitrary
dividend, the American ]>eople must pay out more
and more until the 6^2 per cent, level is reached.
If all these charges are true, and if it is actually
found that the repair factor in the operation of
American railroads is being artificially and deliber-
ately increased because of a desire to profiteer, then
the officials of whatever railroad companies are in-
volved in such practices should not only be com-
pelled to explain every detail, but also to go back
to whatever order of things is best suited for rigid
economy.
As indicated above, this is of extreme importance
to every architect. Everything that goes into any
building or arch or memorial or anything else is
directly affected by the cost of transportation. The
price and the availability of the smallest nail, as well
as of the largest beam, are both immediately and
directly affected by the efficiency of the transporta-
tion facilities of a community.
Now, where does the "evil" lie ?
You will find this journal's answer to that ques-
tion in our next issue.
The Holy Land in 1920
NEITHER stuffy tenements nor dirty factories,
narrow streets nor sullied slums will be toler-
ated in Jerusalem and other urban centers of Pales-
tine, "the Jewish Homeland."
Anticipating a heavy influx of Jews back to the
Holy Land, a city and town planning commission
has been appointed to regulate the distribution of
population, and prevent a mushroom growth from
spoiling forever the beauty of the ancient cities.
All town plans will have to be approved by the
commission. Civic commissions with full authority
will control building development in Jerusalem, Jaffa,
Haifa and Tiberias, working on plans approved by
a central commission. This body may be headed
by Sir Patrick Geddes of the University of Edin-
burgh, town-planer of Bombay and other cities of
India. Landowners have been advised to consult
with the local commissioners before attempting new
construction.
Palestine is now half empty and there is ample
room for new communities and modern quarters.
In building them the poor must not be huddled in
crowded settlements while th'e rich enjoy spacious
houses and delightful gardens.
It is the duty of the government to supervise such
things. It is hoped to have here noble cities with
parks and open spaces, designed, not in the foreign
extraneous style, but breathing the spirit of the land,
representing the best ideals of those who work for
its upbuilding.
IT is interesting to learn that concessionaires have
applied to General Ronald Storrs, governor of
Jerusalem since the city was captured by Lord Al-
lenby, for permission to run a street car line to the
Mount of Olives and an interurban to Bethlehem.
There is a shock in the news ; it seems like some of
the more objectionable fooling in "Innocents
Abroad," but it is a sober fact. Remembering that
Palestine, the Holy Land and the center of the reli-
gious aspiration cf so large a part of humanity, is
still an ordinary inhabited country with citizens who
want to do business and manage their affairs like
other communities, serves to give some idea of the
difficulty of the task of the British governor. Drink-
ing bars have been forbidden in the city ; the street
railways to the holy places have been refused fran-
chises; modern building of all sorts is forbidden, as
the feeling is that the country should preserve as
much of its patriarchal look as can be saved.
The conflict between historical and artistic inter-
est and the economic development of a country is an
ancient one. Italy suggests itself for comparison,
and seems to show that compromise is possible. The
Italians developed their industries as much as they
could, but still with attention to the tourist values,
the only thing, incidentally, that enabled the Italian
nation to come through each year with a credit bal-
ance on the national books.
122
pq
H
t-1
u
w
HH
hH
U
PS!
U
I— I
rt
w
w
ffi
H
o
H
U
cfl
a
<
i!
o
H
o
CQ
VOL. CXIX, No. 2354
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT « FEBRUARY 2,
1921
DORMITORY "C" AND BOILER HOUSE
BETHANY BIBLE SCHOOL, CHICAGO
N. MAX DUNNING, ARCHITECT
ll*
PQ
a
H
u
w
h
HH
K
u
u
HH
^
W
§
<
w
ffi
EH
X
y
I
O
: O
: U
M 3
O U K
H . O
g J £
SOS
O O ft!
Q T1 u
H
c_>
a
S
x
w
H
*
O
o
3s
s I
n g
H 2;
W
ffl
W
H
VOL. CXIX, No. 2354
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
FEBRUARY 2, 1921
ENTRANCE DETAIL
OFFICE BUILDING FOR SIMMONS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, KENOSHA, WIS.
N. MAX DUNNING, ARCHITECT
VOL. CXIX, No. 2354
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
FEBRUARY 2, 1921
, ;_
!, 1
i i
1-
1
r i
•>'_ _ nn."
:»;.—
;
c
J. :
iCi
WA3
A"|
at*'
,--,_-
^V
f'5
•' 3
fjr* I
m
gSjj ^1
3^
-,i'-
••-
j
lit)
QUAD
•OOM
'••p
i — !
1
r"
; -
m
•
.*•£
*';'|tp ''*j
; - ••
—
9
t .
M
F
">.
1 - — i
---
_
.-_
r-\
: w-i
^.j.
i-
^
r ,
i^^rt
;
i
I1
*
""'Jj
't.'.l™.'""
.
\
g
^=r*
;
:
StHLjAL orncr
;;1
f.7«™
l~r^ ;
vj
«
L'.|
V
.
R
i
i
f—
S
«--»-T
-7-ji
.-.. pf
f^r^
. s
; I
«
3 1
•J
dii^.;:t
"
auucf
^—~
ill
'"..*
••»
•' ,r
n-
MB
vn.rt
«v.
,
*
1
*
i
-^ J
^r., :
5
?-:•" * ^
•-
=T;
] I
L
•:-|f
:'
!--
S-.^.-.j!?
3 I !
5.. ~ ^S
r
!•• *
1 i
1
i;
xl
.r-.-v--
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
« xAi-^ . ^^i...i »-*"
^ -Trffii- • — Ifffr-rrT— ICT
i: f*f •;-'-.•! >'•.".' • ->«'.•"• . .--&'.'. I *-*•.'«*
I • l'':r i • '-
uu a ••'•-•-
, -.i X.^-..-.,".^^;- _1 L, .,
••.; • " ..-,;..--«... —
-'--».- , .. • -
' - '
...
PLAIN- <T bASLMLNT-'"" '' '
BASEMENT PLAN
OFFICE BUILDING FOR SIMMONS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, KENOSHA, WIS.
N. MAX DUNNING, ARCHITECT
M
K
U
w
H
I-H
E
u
u
I— I
C4
W
§
<
W
HH
MH
X
U
o
VOL. CXIX, No. 2354
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
FEBRUARY 2, 1921
HOUSE OF ROBERT E. WARD, WILMETTE, ILL.
HOUSE OF F. C. TRAVER, KENILWORTH, ILL.
N. MAX DUNNING, ARCHITECT
'^,. "":,*'-•' ;••:•: '••';•• •' ,.'''''' .' -'• •' : l"::'- ' • ''--''i'k'wraSSKlSjAliV1...1 .,"'.,;.;•!..,• .•yv5\-';5SIHilfe/{^!a^)5l
| ||^.^iiiiiiS
i!li^'rPiJr!jr ..«u."..-....MW,,.il^^^...^1i.^
POWER HOUSE— PHILADELPHIA ELECTRIC COMPANY, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
The coal unloading tower is seen to the right
Steel Sheet Piling
Application, Design and Methods of Construction in Foundations
By CHARLES S. BOARDMAN
STEEL sheet piling has found application in
foundations in many ways. Its growth has
dated from its first use as curtain walls driven
along the foundations of buildings adjacent to new
foundations requiring deeper excavations for the
purpose of holding securely the foundations of old
buildings and materials under them. This use has
now developed so that sheet piling has found suc-
cessful and growing application in underpinning of
these older foundations of adjacent building and in
underpinning the building foundations along route
of subway construction. Its next application was
in general cofferdam work surrounding a building
site or in small pier cofferdams to unwater these
areas in which to construct the foundations as
planned. This application of this type of piling to
foundation work is generally understood.
During twelve years of study in the design and
development of sheet piling, however, the possibili-
ties of its use in deep open cylindrical cofferdams or
caissons for building pier foundations as well as for
bridge pier and other deeper foundations have been
very apparent. The progress in this direction, how-
ever, has been slow, due to the necessity for a com-
plete change and for abandoning old plants and
erecting new plants for a method the merits of which
were not thoroughly understood.
It is not uncommon now in bridge pier design
123
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
METHOD OF USING PILE DRIVER RIG
Steel pipe holds cylinder of piling vertical for driving
to make pier excavation in open cofferdams of steel
sheet piling, seventy to ninety feet in depth, using
telescopic cofferdams of two or more leaves, each
leaf of thirty to
fifty-foot lengths
of sheet piling.
Single pieces fif-
ty to seventy-
five feet long
have been used
in a number of
instances in va-
rious construc-
tion jobs. It has
also been demon-
strated by im-
proved methods
of installation,
and by assem-
bling the piling
in wall form,
splicing piles for
longer lengths is
entirely practi-
cable.
Experience has
thoroughly de-
monstrated the
water tightness
of single wall
I'LAN— POWER HOUSE
LACKAWANNA STEEL
COMPANY,
BUFFALO, N. Y.
I Permanent fyinkn of Lackawarm I2$c$' Bent-Vteb
5M Shut Pito. (16 Piles per ytirder)
124
sheet piling, both straight and circular construction,
by side contact or by compression and side contact.
A preconceived plan and method in building pier
foundations in open caissons of steel sheet piling, as
in other types of building foundations, is necessary,
particularly in large power house foundations. The
Buffalo General Electric Company's River Station,
Buffalo, N. Y., and the power house of the Phila-
delphia Electric Company, at Philadelphia, Pa., and
part of the foundations of the new power house,
Lackawanna Steel Company, Buffalo, N. Y., were
constructed by this method, using Lackawanna steel
sheet piling.
The new power plant of the Lackawanna Steel
Company, Buffalo, N. Y., recently completed, has
an interesting foundation, inasmuch as steel sheet
piling was used in four distinct and separate appli-
cations.
This power house was constructed on a site pre-
viously excavated for a canal slip in Buffalo Harbor
to 23 feet of water. The materials as shown by a
cross section below were mud and silt, sand and
gravel and hardparr to rock.
This foundation required first a single-wall braced
cofferdam within which to construct intake and pump
well. This required 14 x ^-in. arched-web Lacka-
wanna steel sheet piling, 44 ft. in length.
This cofferdam was constructed by first excavat-
ing the remaining materials from the slip. The
bearing piles were driven and followed to grade and
the cage of bracing was framed, the bottom tier first
and building up-
on this until
complete, allow-
ing the cage to
sink of its own
weight. Addi-
tional weight
sunk cage to
water level. The
piling was then
assembled
around the peri-
meter of this
cage and the
closure pile set
when all the
steel sheets were
driven. The
steam pile driv-
ing hammer was
suspended from
end of derrick-
boom. Upon
placing of pumps
the cofferdams
were ready to be
pumped out.
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
This improvement also required a bulkhead or
dock wall adjacent to and on both sides of power
house to hold in place soft materials and a fill place
to bring the site to yard level. The bulkhead re-
quired 14 x ^-in. arched-web piling, 53 ft. in length.
To make bulkhead continuous, a cut-off wall of
14 x %-in. arched-web piling about 22 ft. long had
to be constructed under the intake well. This was
accomplished by driving piling in the cofferdam after
it was unwatered and by moving one timber in each
of four tiers of braces at one time.
Since the loading on partition wall between power
house and boiler house was heavier and since the
foundation was also in canal slip area, five cylin-
drical piers to bedrock were needed. These were
constructed within walls of 14 x ^ in. arched-web
piling, 42 ft. in length.
The method of constructing these cylinder piers
CYLINDERS ASSEMBLED FOR DRIVING
Cylinder at the left has been driven
here used differed only in that a fixed leader pile
driver rig was blocked in position to hold the mast
vertical. The method of doing this will be described
later.
The building is approximately 240 x 223 ft. in
plan, with a floor level about 40 ft. above bedrock
and about 5 ft. above water level. A series of bore
holes developed that bedrock lay almost horizontal
and about 35 ft. below the surface of the ground.
From 5 ft. to 7 ft. of mud and silt, 25 ft. to 28 ft.
of sand or quicksand, and 3 ft. of clay, containing
large gravel and small boulders, lay on the rock.
The plan called for 157 cylinder piers varying in
diameter from 33 to 81 inches. The maximum com-
pressive stress allowed anywhere on the reinforced
concrete was 500 pounds per square inch. The
larger piers carry as high as 874 tons per pier.
These foundations were constructed in open cylinder
caissons of steel sheet piling, 12^ * %-in. straight-
web and bent web sections being used.
CLOSE-UP OF CYLINDER AFTER DRIVING
Excavation has not been started
CYLINDER
Number of Piles
18 ...
DIAME'
A
in\V
0 deg
fERS FOR BEN!
ngle of Bend
eb of Steel Pile
rees straight web
bent web
[•-WEB PILING.
Diameter
73"
5' 4 15/15"
4' 8 13/16"
4' 11/16"
3' 4 9/16"
2' 8 7/16"
2' 3/8"
Four 90 degrees bends
16
4
14
7
12
. 11
10
. 17
8
26
6 .
21
4
90
Cylinders of 8, 12 and 14 piles of bent web piling
and cylinders of 18 and 20 piles of straight-web
piling were used. In these cylinders 1,296 tons of
piling in 33-ft. lengths were used. The piling re-
mains permanently in position as part of the struc-
ture. The accompanying plan shows the general
arrangement and size of the piers.
The pier foundation work consisted essentially in
driving closed cylinders of sheet piles, excavating
the enclosed material by jetting it out, and filling
the opening left with reinforced concrete. The con-
struction of these cylindrical piers is novel and orig-
inal, both in design and execution. Two cableways
with two portable timber towers 70 ft. in height,
built on skids, were placed over the center lines of
two rows of piers and were used to handle the piling,
timber mast, steam pile driving hammers, wooden
assembling tower, etc.
A timber pile was first driven on the exact center
SHOWING TEMPLET AND CENTER STEEL
PIN
125
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
PLACING REINFORCED STEEL CAGE IN
CYLINDRICAL WELL
of each pier. These piles were later dressed at the
top and a hole bored at the center of pier. Excava-
tion proceeded around this pile to a point near the
water level, when the lower templet was set in posi-
tion and secured to the center pile. The timber
assembling tower was then placed over the lower
template, and the upper template and guide ring
were centered in this tower in correct position over
the lower template.
The steel sheet piling was handled by the cable-
ways and assembled one piece at a time around these
templates, the cableway being of sufficient height to
raise the pieces above the 33-ft. sheeting already
assembled. Thus, the piles could be interlocked at
the top. The position of the cableways also per-
mitted all of the piles in one cylinder, or all the cyl-
inders in the row, to be assembled.
This method of assembling allowed the entire cyl-
inder to be set and held vertical, and the closure pile
assembled for its entire length. A 14 x 14-in. wood
mast, 43 ft. long, was then mounted and held in
position on top of the wooden pile by a 2-in. steel
pin. This was guyed at the top by four 5^-in. wire
cables, the mast being free to move within the top
template.
A No. 7 McKiernan-Terry steam pile driving
hammer, weighing 5,500 Ibs., was lifted by the cable-
way and supported from the mast by a steel A-frame
so designed as to allow the hammer and frame to
slide freely upon the mast. The mast was free to
revolve, and the hammer was offset from the mast
the required distance to bring it centrally over the
pile walls. The hammer was lowered or raised by
a set of double blocks provided on the side of the
mast above the hammer, the power line passing over
a sheave in the top of the mast to the stationary
hoisting engines.
Two sheet piles were driven by this steam hammer
about 3 or 4 ft. Then the hammer was raised and
placed upon two adjacent piles, driving them about
the same distance. This operation was repeated
until the entire circle was driven into bedrock. The
average time of driving was about 6 hours for each
DIVER ENTERING CYLINDER TO EXAMINE
ROCK SURFACE
cylinder. A large portion of this time was required
to drive the piles through the glacial drift and into
the disintegrated top of bedrock. Penetration into
rock as closely as can be determined from original
borings was from 6 to 18 inches. The work of
assembling and driving the cylinders was entirely
completed in a total of about 70 working days.
A multiple-stage centrifugal pump with a capacity
of 1,500 gal. per min. against a pressure of 125' Ib.
per sq. in. was installed on a timber pile trestle on
the shore of the river. An 8-in. main with a 6-in.
126
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
distributing pipe carried the water close to the cyl-
inders. A sand jet pump constructed with a 6-in.
pipe about 40 ft. long, having an elbow at the top,
and a right angle pipe 10 ft. long (with two water
jets fastened to opposite sides of this pipe) was used
as a water jet pump. The two pipe jets had reducers
at the lower end. One 2l/2-in. reducer was turned
upward and toward the center of the bottom of the
6-in. pipe, the other \l/2-\n. reducer was straight and
extended about 12 in. below the end of the larger
pipe. These jets had the effect of stirring the sand
and forcing it upward through this larger pipe. To
complete this pump a 2-in. pipe connection was
made in the elbow, directly opposite the horizontal
piece of 8-in. pipe. These three jets were connected
to the pump by fire hose.
The pump thus assembled was raised by the cable-
way and stood vertically in the material within the
cylinder, the upper end of the 6-in. tube being closed
by a gate valve. The water was then turned into
the jets, and as the only avenue of escape was
through the bottom the pump rapidly settled under
its own weight to the bottom of the cylinder. The
gate at the top of the pump was then opened and
the pressure from the jet caused a large stream of
sand and water to be discharged. This method of
excavation proved to be so rapid that only 2 hours
were required to remove all the sand, the loose mate-
rial from a cylinder. An independent jet was used
until the hard formation was broken up so that it
could be removed by a small orange-peel bucket.
The final operation in cleaning bedrock inside the
cylinders was to replace the large jets by 2-in. jets,
one operating vertically, the other horizontally.
These carefully washed the rock and the degree of
cleanliness of the bottom was thoroughly tested with
a sounding rod.
After inspection had proved that the rock was
clean and ready for concrete, the jet pump was re-
moved and a cage of reinforcing steel, previously
assembled, was lowered into the cylinder. These
steel cages were provided with stub guides which
CLOSE-UP OF COLUMN FOOTINGS
Showing reinforcing steel at floor beam level
LOOKING DOWN INTO CYLINDER
Rain water collects on top of concrete
to clean the sand and material from near the walls
of the cylinder. Circular wooden forms were bolted
to the top of the steel cylinders to permit the spoil
to be vised to raise the general ground level.
To remove hard clay conglomerate, heavy gravel
and boulders remaining in the cylinder, a 14-in.
arched web 35 ft. long, weighing 1,425 Ibs., was
hung inside and used as a vertical battering ram
held them in proper position relative to the sheet
piling forming the cylinder shelves.
Concrete^vas chuted to the hopper of an ordinary
tremie pipe which deposited it on the bottom. The
tremie was hoisted and sections of it removed as
the level of the concrete rose. The lower end of
the tremie was maintained from 1 to 2 ft. below
the surface of the concrete. It was operated with
extreme care so as never to lose its seal in the con-
crete nor its charge of concrete.
By this method each cylinder was filled with con-
crete to a point 2 to 3 ft. below the top of the sheet
piling. After allowing sufficient time for the con-
crete to set, water was pumped out of the top to
the level of the concrete, and the laitance (usually
2 to 3 in. deep) was removed.
The wooden forms were then built for the cap
of the pier and the reinforcing bars required for the
floor beams were placed in position. All the con-
crete for top and caps was poured at one time. The
reinforced concrete caps of piers were 2 ft. larger
in diameter than pier. The steel sheet piling, there-
fore, carried part of load on pier.
This work was designed by the Stone & Webster
Engineering Corporation, Boston, Mass., and was
executed by the Stone & Webster Engineering Com-
127
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
pany, George Q. Muhlfeld. Construction Engineer.
S. L. Shuftleton, \Yestern Manager in charge, and
E. C. Macy, General Superintendent. H. G. Stott
was Consulting Kngineer for the Buffalo General
Klectric Company.
Upon the completion of this power house, the con-
tractors moved their forces and plant to the site of
the Philadelphia Klectric Company's power house.
Philadelphia, Pa.
These foundations of the boiler house and coal
tower unloader were constructed in an almost similar
manner to the foundations of the River Station of
the Buffalo General Electric Company. They dif-
fered in the number and size of piers, however,
there being but four rows of piers, of seven piers
each under the boiler house and four piers only un-
der the coal unloading tower, all these on centers of
37 ft. and 25 ft. These piers were about 14 ft. in
diameter or larger and made up of 38 or more pieces
of Lackawanna 14-in. arched-web piling in 37 to 55
ft. lengths.
This foundation was constructed on the site of
an old shipyard with old timbers and timber piles
buried in the old .ship ways. At the center of each
pier a timber pile was driven. In this pile at the
exact center of pier was bored a 2-in. hole to receive
the pier at the bottom of the timber ma-t. The
ground timber templet was then carefully placed
and held securely. After the upper templet was
set and held, the steel sheet piling was assembled
and the timber mast was placed, set and held at the
top by steel cables, after being carefully pumped.
The hammer drove two piles a few feet at each
driving. Then it was raised and placed on adjacent
piles, continually driving in this manner until the
cylinder of sheet piling was finally driven to bedrock.
In cylinders of steel sheet piling, the length of
steel should be such that when driven into rock the
top of steel cylinders should be as nearly as possible
at the level of low water. The design of the pier
should contemplate a reinforced concrete cap of
larger diameter than the sheet piling cylinders so
that the piling can be figured in the bearing value
of the pier.
The New York City specifications for bearing
values of steel shells of this character were given
in a previous article on foundations, appearing in
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT, November 3, 1920.
A careful analysis will show that one large cyl-
inder of steel sheet piling, with possibly some rein-
forcement, will simplify any foundations where
otherwise a cluster of bearing piles is required. It
also has the advantage of having a large area in
bearing on bedrock which has been examined and
cleaned.
The simple method of assembling, the driving in
one operation, the necessity of one excavation only,
the ability of steel sheet piling to conform in its
bottom edge to the rock surface, the examination of
the rock surface by steel ram or diver, the ability
of cylinders to retain their cylindrical shape even
though excavated in wet to considerable depths, and
the trueness of a cylinder so that a cage of reinforc-
ing steel or steel bracing can be lowered through
the water and the cylinder pumped out when bracing
is placed, make this form of foundation elastic, and
economical both in design and execution.
Fire-Protective Materials for Steel
Columns
TESTS on the fire-resisting qualities of various
kinds of protections for steel columns have re-
cently been conducted by the Associated Factory-
Mutual Fire Insurance Companies, the National
Board of Fire Underwriters and the Bureau of
Standards.
The results of these tests show that the period of
resistance for an unprotected column is only ten
minutes. Solid columns partly protected by filling
the re-entrant spaces with concrete to the extreme
of the metal stood up from one-half to three-
quarters of an hour, while open-latticed columns
under the same conditions stood up from 2 to 3l/2
hours.
The best protective results were obtained with a
limestone or calcareous gravel concrete covering to
a depth of 4 inches. All the columns so protected
withstood the eight-hour fire test, and, while hot,
sustained such large additional loads as to justify
the conclusion that in the lower range of results
with similarly protected columns the working load
will be maintained during an eight-hour fire period.
Common surface clay brick laid on side to form
a solid protection about 4 in. thick resisted fire for
a period of five hours and proved to rank second
to concrete in this respect.
FIRE RESISTANCE PERIODS DERIVED FROM TEST RESULTS.
Inches,
Thick, of
Protection
2 layers,
each %"
4
2 layers,
each 2"
3%
Period
Fire Res.
10 min.
% hr.
3l/o hrs.
IV> hrs.
8 hrs.
3 hrs.
5 hrs.
Type of Column
Struct., steel
Material
Details
Min. thick, of metal 2".
Mixt. 1:6. Vert, and horiz. steel
ties.
Mixt. 1 :6. Filling ends to out-
side rivets and covers lattice
and main members.
1:1-10:2% Port, cement, hydrat.
lime, sand.
Mixt. 1 :6. Cone. tied.
Motor joint bet. tile and col.
flanges and webs, metal ties in
horiz. joints.
Brick laid on side.
Min. Sq. In.
Solid Mat'l
8
60
120
80
200
240
240
Struct., steel, solid
Struct., steel, open lattice. .
Struct., steel
entrant space with concrete,
do.
Struct., steel
Cone li Cnt " ^
Struct., steel, solid
FI ill ' t'l « f 1 l, 11
Struct., steel
tile flll.
on rick, surtace clay.
128
Current News
Happenings and Comments in the Field of Architecture
and the Allied Arts
American Architects Invited to
Exhibit in Paris Salon
Through the courtesy of Monsieur Maurice Case-
nave, Director General of French Services in the
United States, an invitation has for the first time
been extended by the Societe des Artistes Francais
to the American Institute of Architects to make a
comprehensive exhibition of American architecture
at the Paris Salon which opens in May, 1921. The
drawings will be selected by the Committee on For-
eign Building Cooperation of the Institute acting as
a jury. While this exhibition is gotten up under the
auspices of the Institute, it is open to any architect
in the country irrespective of Institute membership.
A charge of $1.50 per square foot on drawings
accepted will be made to cover cost of crating, stor-
age, hanging, etc., the French Government paying
the expenses of transportation to and from Paris.
Insurance on exhibits can be arranged for by the
Committee from the time of their departure from
New York until their return at the rate of $1.50 per
hundred dollars if desired by exhibitors.
To allow sufficient time for transportation to
France, the date for submission of exhibits has been
set for February 14.
Those desiring to exhibit should apply to Mr.
Julian C. Levi, secretary, 105 West 40th street. New
York City, for entry slips which must accompany
all drawings.
Brangwyn to Decorate Missouri
Capitol
Frank Brangwyn, the English painter and etcher,
has accepted a commission to decorate the dome of
the state capitol in Jefferson City. The Kansas City
Times discussing the matter believes that if any
painter has found the poetry of industry, it is Brang-
wyn. He never has looked upon painting as the toy-
maker's art, to provide trifles or even treasures to
gratify individual whims and fashions. The picture
market never appealed to him. His work, whether
in separate canvas or as a part of an architectural
scheme, is always decorative in idea, never wholly
divorced from architecture, but obedient to a scheme
of line and color as music is obedient to counter-
point and harmony.
Brangwyn's father was an architect, which may
account for the structural quality of his painting
ideas. And yet he did not develop his gifts directly
under his father's influence. William Morris helped
him, but he was shaped far more by his love of life
in its more vigorous aspects.
In the work he will do in the Missouri capitol, he
will have free scope and large spaces in which to
express himself.
The "eye of the dome," which is assigned to him,
measures eight hundred square feet, and the four
other spaces he is to fill with mural paintings are
each 650 square feet in size. Each painting will be
more than thirty-eight feet square.
Westminster Acknowledges Ameri-
can Gift
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
has received from Herbert E. Ryle, Dean of West-
minster, a message of thanks for the gift of £10,000
toward the restoration of Westminster Abbey. The
letter, which -was made public by Dr. Nicholas
Murray Butler, chairman of the division of inter-
course and education of the endowment, read, in
part:
"The great American people has always had a
warm affection for Westminster Abbey, and I re-
joice to know that this inheritance from early cen-
turies of English history is felt to be one of those
most hallowed pledges of brotherhood which help to
unite the two great nations in enduring harmony and
good will."
Similar messages of acknowledgment are an-
nounced by the endowment from Rheims and Bel-
grade, where the endowment is erecting libraries to
replace the structures destroyed by the German and
Austrian armies.
The Neglect of the Back Door
So much has been said about the beauties of old
Colonial doorways, the fan-lights, the panels, the
knockers and the antique porticos, that the unobtru-
sive and homely back-door has been grossly neglect-
ed. There is, however, a charm, an individuality, and
a human touch about the humble back door, which
the stately front door can never claim, writes E. G.
Babson, in the Boston Transcript. The back-door
and its environs tell the story of the occupants of the
house. Here is one doorway, with a neat little mat
outside for the iceman or the grocer boy to wipe his
129
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
feet on (he never does, but it shows aspiration ) ; the
door-steps are swept daily, the garbage can under-
neath is in a good state of preservation, perhaps even
fenced in. The well-washed dish-towels hang in an
orderly row, and the empty milk bottles fairly gleam
with cleanliness.
By contrast look at another picture; a broken
screen-door, dirty steps, dented-in garbage pail, with
cover half off; odds and ends of old cloths hanging
up to dry, and broken flower-pots cluttering up the
back porch. No invidious reflections are intended to
be cast upon those responsible for this latter picture.
They may be possessed of all the Christian virtues.
but they have acquired an indifferent attitude to the
effect of their back-doors on the neighbors. So much
of women's time now is spent in the kitchen, why not
make the back doorway a place of beauty?
From the back door in the small town or suburb
one can see much more interesting signs of life than
from the front, which merely shows humanity on
parade, as it were. But from the back porch, as I
write, I see activities of all kinds ; hens in one yard,
happily enclosed, and with no four o'clock rooster,
visible or audible (Allah be praised!) ; a doghouse,
tenanted by a fairly amiable non-growling canine,
several garages and two beehives. Busy housewives
are shaking mops and dusters from their back doors,
and we exchange a few words on the nobility of la-
bor. Our ashcans, although badly dented, compare
favorably with our next-door neighbor's which have
lost all semblance to a cylindrical shape. We view
our new clothes-line with pardonable pride, and let
our eyes wander speculatively to our neighbor's Mon-
day wash, hung out in all its expansiveness. Ah, we
draw a veil, but back-door life is interesting — it has
the human touch.
Traveling Exhibits of Art
To inaugurate a movement to increase art appre-
ciation among Americans, the American Federation
of Arts has launched a series of exhibitions. Be-
ginning with a collection of 400 prints in color and
photographs suitable for home decoration recently
shown at the Sage Foundation Building, New York,
this series will ultimately embrace other items of
home decoration such as wall paper, pottery, etc.
A first exhibition of this kind shown last season
formed the inception of a campaign for improving
home environment on the principle that a picture in
the home is a silent partner in cultural growth. That
any national organization should make a country-
wide effort under the slogan "Art in Every Home"
is a novelty in American Life. Yet under this sig-
nificant motto the Federation, which has 250 chap-
ters in 38 states, has grouped a series of traveling
exhibitions, all bearing on the single purpose of im-
proving home furnishings.
The original exhibition of prints met with such
success that two others had to be arranged at once
to meet the demands of societies and institutions in
different parts of the country.
New publications of American prints have in-
creased so rapidly that a complete revision of the
original collection has now been made. These have
been selected by a jury of experts. Every taste and
fancy of the individual may be satisfied in this ex-
hibition ; history, chivalry, love, the home, childhood,
music, patriotism, nature in all forms, figure, land-
scape and sea subjects, in fact, subjects eminently
suitable for every home are there. All rooms in the
house are taken care of — living room as well as
chamber ; the boy's room or the girl's room ; the den
or the nursery. The great majority of the 400 sub-
jects on view are reproductions of works by
American artists. There is also a small group of
foreign subjects, as well as a number of reproduc-
tions of famous paintings by old masters. The
prints are in various sizes and finishes, and suitable
for framing and immediate use.
New reproductions have also been added from
works privately owned.
There is also an exceptionally good series of pho-
tographs, among them a selection from paintings in
the Metropolitan Museum of Art published by the
Museum as part of its extensive educational work.
A most interesting feature of the exhibits is that
the Federation will sell at the exhibition rooms copies
of all the prints exhibited at prices from 35c to $18,
demonstrating the wide range of selection and the
fact that there are offered excellent reproductions at
prices that readily accommodate themselves to the
size of any home-maker's purse.
The exhibition will form one of a number on tour
throughout the country under the direction of the
American Federation of Arts; 46 exhibitions of
paintings, prints, crafts, war memorials, architecture,
etc., being on the road all the time, each being shown
in a different citv each month.
Factory Machinery No Longer Black
Twenty-five years ago little thought was given to
the interior of factory buildings; "sanitation" was
an unknown word; proper lighting, health and
care of workers were not considered. Today there
are very few factories, prompted by the wish for
higher efficiency, that do not have interior walls and
ceilings finished in white or some other light color.
And it is little over five years ago that careful
thought was given to the question of proper lighting
130
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
of working areas at night, and in such plants where
the nature of the business required very high ceil-
ings and the effect of white walls was not so pro-
nounced, as would be the case in foundries, etc.
This led to a careful study of suitable lighting fix-
tures for such plants and was followed by the de-
velopment of suitable lighting fixtures for factory
buildings of all kinds. Today more and more
attention is given to proper illumination for the
dark hours of the day and for night work.
Clean, healthy surroundings, fresh air and proper
lighting are now the rule and help greatly in insuring
the contentment of workers and steady production
which will pass rigid inspection.
Today progressive manufacturers are completing
the triangle of bright factory conditions by adding
to the light walls and the proper lighting fixtures
brightened surroundings to the very machine on
which the workers are employed. These manufac-
turers have found that by doing away with the black
color so common on machinery and substituting for
it a bright, pleasant color they lessen the eyestrain
of the worker, do away with his restlessness at the
job and materially reduce spoilage.
One company through extended tests along this
line has proved conclusively the advantage 9f light-
painted machinery. When given the privilege to
choose from machines finished in different colors,
all the employes desired to work on the machines
finished in the lighter colors. A light gray color has
been proven satisfactory because this color is suffi-
ciently off the white light to prevent undue glare and
sufficiently light to eliminate dark shadows.
A Silencer for the Street Noises
One of the disadvantages of city life is its noisi-
ness. The larger the population the more kinds of
noises there are and the greater is its volume. Most
people would gladly escape from it, if to do so were
possible.
Hence the advantage of a contrivance invented by
Hiram P. Maxim, which has for its object the elimi-
nating of street noises from buildings. It is meant,
especially, for apartment houses, hotels and
hospitals.
Having effectively muffled guns with his silencer,
Mr. Maxim has turned his attention to the hubbub of
our city streets.
Of course, nobody can get away from noise who
opens his windows upon the streets of a town. Hence
it is that Mr. Maxim's invention seeks to do away
with the necessity of opening windows for ventila-
tion. He proposes to supply from the roof all the
fresh air that is wanted, using machine driven fans
to draw it down through the halls and into the
rooms.
In order that the air may not bring sound vibra-
tions with it, resort is had to the expedient of silenc-
ing it. For this purpose there is erected on the roof
of the building a circular structure which has a spiral
interior. But it is a broken spiral, and the passage of
the air drawn down through it is further interrupted
by twists and turns, so as to break up all noise vi-
brations. It is further suggested that the silencer
here described might be lined with felt or some other
sound-deadening material.
There are familiar means for making walls sound-
proof, so that, in an apartment house or hotel, nobody
ought to be annoyed by the noises of his neighbors.
In a properly constructed building, then, the occu-
pant of a room should be able to get rid of all noise
by simply closing the windows, and this he can do
without shutting off the fresh air supply if Mr.
Maxim's silencer is in use.
Fighting a Burning Coal Mine Under
a City
There is a coal-mine burning under one of Pitts-
burgh's most exclusive residential sections. The fire
started in 1914. A few months later, it is learned
from the Popular Science Monthly, it spread rapidly
and became a source of great danger to the commun-
ity. To know that a fire is burning under the street
you live on, with the possibility that it may actually
extend under your home, would not add anything to
your feeling of comfort and security.
The people in the Squirrel Hill section of Pitts-
burgh, where the fire occurred, did not give the mat-
ter much thought until the street above the burning
mine became so hot that pedestrians were unable to
walk upon it. The street was completely undermined
by the fire, and part of it caved in.
This was no job for the fire department. Putting
out mine fires is a job for engineers. Water could
not be used, and it would not do any good even if it
were possible to apply it.
When the city engineers reached the fire and
studied it, they decided to dig down a short distance
and build a clay wall or barrier beyond which it
would be impossible for the fire to spread. This plan
was put into effect, and it was thought that the fire
would soon burn itself out. But the engineers were
disappointed. The fire did not burn itself out. It
grew hotter and hotter. The heat caused the clay
wall to crumble, and the fire spread rapidly to thick-
er coal deposits.
There was another hurry-up call for the engineers.
This time they decided to strip the vicinity of coal
as far as possible, and steam-shovels were put to
work. The excavation was carried on with great
haste to prevent the fire from spreading to sections
forty feet beneath the surface. To permit the fire
131
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
to reach these areas meant almost complete disaster
to the entire community. It was very difficult to fight
the fire at depths varying from ten to twenty feet.
At a depth of forty feet, effective work would have
been almost impossible.
The race with the fire continued for some time.
Steam shovels dug frantically. Coal became so plen-
tiful that it was sold to the people in the neighbor-
hood for one dollar a ton. At times during the oper-
ations burning portions of the mine were exposed.
Although the fire was subdued to a great extent, it
was not entirely extinguished. The battle with it is
still being waged.
The coal-mine in which the fire started is a very
old one. It has been abandoned for forty years. The
fire received its necessary supply of oxygen through
several openings. It is difficult to imagine how fero-
cious a coal fire may become, burning underground.
As the oxygen is used up in the combustion of the
coal, a partial vacuum is created. This lowering of
pressure causes air to find its way in from the outside
and the fire never lacks a fresh supply of oxygen.
Coal-mine fires are not uncommon, but they usu-
ally occur in unpopulated districts, where they are
allowed to burn themselves out, owing to the great
cost of extinguishing them. A coal-mine burning
under a city is a more serious matter — it simply must
be put out regardless of cost and trouble. If it is
allowed to reach deposits that extend beyond a cer-
tain distance underground, the job of putting it out
becomes well nigh impossible. The use of dynamite
is bad. It loosens the coal and offers more fuel for
the fire.
Indians Had 45-Story Apartment
House
The discovery of a stone apartment building,
forty-five stories high and containing one thousand
rooms, believed to have been the home of a now
extinct tribe of American Indians, was announced
at a meeting of the Archaeological Institute of Amer-
ica at Johns Hopkins University.
The apartment was uncovered in one of a group
of towns representing an ancient civilization in the
midst of the Southwestern Desert. Several thousand
persons may have lived in the newly discovered
building.
•
Find a Fine "Rembrandt"
An interesting discovery has been made in a lit-
tle half lost village in the Harz Mountains. In a
house there, states the New York Times, a picture in
oils of an aristocratic old gentleman has been hang-
ing for many years. It was only a little while ago
that the owner thought it might be of value, and made
the discovery that the picture was by Rembrandt.
Several experts say there can be no doubt that it is
by the famous Dutch master.
The picture is painted on an octagonal piece of
oak, about two feet high by one and one-half feet
wide. It still is in its beautiful original frame and
one of the experts, Dr. Hofstede de Groot, declares
that the frame must have been made at Rembrandt's
special instructions out of Scotch fir. The work
dates from the time of Rembrandt's stay in Leiden
and probably was painted in 1630 or 1631. The ini-
tials R. H. L., which stand for Rembrandt Harmen-
zoon Leiden, appear in a typical monogram above the
shoulder. The discovery was made by Egon Mueller,
a well-known art expert of Hamburg.
Personals
Edward F. Stevens,' 9 Park street, Boston, and
Frederick C. See, 62 Clark street E, Toronto, archi-
tects for medical institutions, have officially an-
nounced the formation of a partnership at the same
addresses. They have been associated for a number
of years.
R. S. Tyson and H. N. Foster announce that they
have taken over the office of Mr. J. M. King and
will practice architecture under the firm name of
Tyson & Foster, with offices in the Woods Building,
Ashland, Kentucky.
James H. Ritchie, architect and engineer, formerly
located at 8 Beacon street, Boston, Mass., has associ-
ated himself with F. R. Jonesburg, and the firm is
now operating at 15 Ashburton place, that city. They
also have an office at St. Petersburg, Fla.
Herbert C. Hearne, architect, who formeily prac-
ticed at 145 State street, Springfield, Mass., is now
located at 356 Main street, that city.
Bowen, Bancroft Smith & Geo. Provot, architects,
announce that they are now located at 48-50 West
47th street, New York City.
James Kleinberger, architect, is now located at 20
West 43d street, New York City.
Edward Fanning, architect, is now with Goodwin
& Woolsey, 4 East 39th street, New York City.
Charles Volz, architect, announces that he is now
practicing at 371 Fulton street, Brooklyn, N. Y.
L. R. Barber, architect, has just been discharged
from the army and opened an office at 325 Guarantee
Trust Building, Atlantic City, N. J.
132
Weekly Review of the Construction Field
With Reports of Special Correspondents in Regional Centers
A STUDY OF PRICES*
By
EDMUND D. FISHER
(Vice-President, Bank of Detroit)
PART II
[Refer to Page 107, Issue of January 26, 1921]
THE credit swing in prices, however, is the one
that is most unsettling to the business world. The
movement has been frequently called a "financial
cycle." Prior to the organization of the Federal
Reserve System the financial cycle seemed to be
permanently established as a reoccurring factor in
American business life, although each succeeding
period had certain characteristics peculiar to itself,
which frequently tended to deceive even the vet-
eran business man.
Common to all these periods, however, was a
period of inflation, followed by a period of defla-
tion. Such a period was invariably characterized
by a crisis year, one or more dull years, culminating
in a number of active business years. These active
business years were followed by another period of
readjustment, included in another financial cycle.
As the active years were years of increasing prices
and years of growing inflation, it is evident that
during these years there were committed the eco-
nomic errors which were ultimately disfurbing to
trade and necessitated readjustments of prices and
policy.
AVERAGE PRICES 1914-1919
(Annalist Index Number Showing Varying Prices)
1914 146.069
1915 148.055
1916 175.720
1917 261.796
1918 287.080
1919 295.607
Nov. 13, 1920 238.557
The period commencing with the World War in
1914 is illustrative of such a period of inflation,
whose effects were world wide. The new and ab-
normal spending power of the various governments,
growing out of non-liquid loans, fiat or quasi-flat
currency issues, and increased taxation, "bulled"
prices. Business men bid against each other in
supplying raw material and manufactured goods
to meet war demands. Labor received increasingly
higher wages and came into the market for lux-
uries in abnormal volume. Bank loans increased,
following the necessity for increased capital, to
'Copyrighted 1920 by Edmund D. Fisher.
build new factories, and to finance the growing dol-
lar volume' of trade. Population of cities in-
creased, weakening the primary basis of production.
The normal relations of production, manufacture
and distribution were disrupted. Much of the
wealth produced was non-productive and fed the
fires of war. Yet all these tendencies which made
for an inevitable readjustment were more or less
obscured for a while, and the feeling developed in
the United States that the nation was growing
wealthy. People were certainly busy, but finally
began to feel through the strain of increased prices
that it might be a period of lessening wealth.
Theoretically it is possible to conceive of prices
remaining relatively stable during a war period, if
the buying power of the people were restricted
through saving, offsetting the increased buying
power of the government. Practically, however,
the people do not save the necessary amount for
this purpose. The government, therefore, con-
tinues to borrow heavily, bank loans expand and
the added spending power thus created stimulates
the increase of prices. As a consequence, of course,
the value of the dollar itself tumbles.
THE rather comprehensive subject suggested
for this address includes in addition to the rea-
sons leading to advance in prices — "What is neces-
sary to bring about their orderly decline." As the
phrase is, "There ain't no such animal." That is,
yet to be found in the American financial zoo. It
could not live with the "bulls" and "bears." An
orderly decline in prices must follow a preceding
period where business is well under control, where
reserves are laid aside to break the shock of future
changes, where inventories are not too large, where
new equipment and new factories are planned for
an average rather than an abnormal business, and
where there is a potent economic control working
through the entire financial cycle by a strong central
banking organization. In the past many European
countries have had such relations fairly well estab-
lished, and where the credit cycle has had no ex-
tremes in price movement.
English experience ranging over a long period
of years shows that the credit cycle of prices very
nearly coincides with the average annual discount
rate of the Bank of England. As prices go up the
discount rate advances. As prices go off the rate
declines. The economic control of the bank over
prices is thus made evidetit. This condition is par-
ticularly interesting in view of the power of the
133
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Federal Reserve System to control discount rates
in the United States through the principle of re-
discount for member banks of approved commer-
cial paper- This power was not exercised during
the war period because it was deemed wise to help
government financing through the maintenance of
a low interest rate. Furthermore, the gold reserves
of the Federal Reserve Banks were comparatively
strong, owing to the great influx of the precious
metal from abroad, sent in payment of foreign pur-
chases, chiefly in 1915, and the substitution of
credit balances for money reserves in the member
banks of the country. The conditions thus estab-
lished, of course, were elements of inflation, par-
ticularly as the Federal Reserve Act provided for
lessened reserves in the national banks.
Under normal international conditions the ad-
vance of the discount rate of a central bank tends
to draw capital from foreign countries and offsets
the necessity of gold exports. It tends generally to
minimize bank loans and promote liquidation. The
effect of this policy, as we have seen, is to promote
the reduction of commodity prices. On the other
hand, a reduction of the discount rate would tend
to increase loans, tend to stimulate enterprise gen-
erally, and ultimately advance prices. The proper
function of a central bank, or of a central board
with corresponding power, is, of course, to stabil-
ize prices so far as possible and to minimize the
ups and downs of credit movements. Such move-
ments, however, are more or less inevitable, grow-
ing out of the inherent errors in business life.
Recently, the rediscount rates of the various Fed-
eral Reserve Banks have been advanced. This ac-
tion was followed by a tendency to curtail credit
by the member banks, with the consequent reaction
on the price fabric of the country. In general,
therefore, it cannot be claimed that in this particular
credit cycle, the Federal Reserve System has acted
as a stabilizing element ; but it is now functioning
along approved lines, although somewhat late, and
should prove to be an important factor in approx-
imating an orderly decline in prices.
THE chief element which has caused our pres-
ent inflation, our great government debt, is likely
to remain a non-liquid element in our banking and
currency fabric for some time to come. This sug-
gests that a large amount of inflation may remain
in our price schedules and only be eliminated as the
debt is gradually paid or absorbed through the sav-
ings of the people. It will be remembered that
prices following the Civil War, with some erratic
exceptions, declined very gradually for a long pe-
riod of years. The changes are shown in the fol-
lowing index :
1864—249
1865—229 (Peace established) 1873—147
1866—206
1867-192
1868—186
1869—170
1870—155
1871—152
18/4—143
1875—135
1876—120
1877—116
1878—100
1879— 99
(Resumption of specie payments)
The business world has no guide to point to fu-
ture price movements, or determine a sane reduc-
tion from year to year. Prices will brook no con-
trol— they look out for themselves and are really
the governors on the machinery of business, if not
interfered with by governmental price-fixing
schemes or trade agreements. It is possible that
price-fixing may be justified during a war period,
but from an economic standpoint the price tenden-
cies are stronger than the forces of governmental
or trade regulations. Fixing prices during a de-
cline would be very difficult, although theoretically
possible under seasonal readjustments.
A merchandising concern that does an annual
business of seventy-five millions of dollars has
taken an attitude which emphasizes a seasonal basis
of prices. It is announced that they have begun
their spring buying in lines where the manufac-
turers have been able to standardize prices. It is
pointed out that business and confidence must be
re-established, and that it devolves upon the pro-
ducer to set prices which he can stand by. The
statement in part says:
"Labor must be kept employed; mills throughout
the land must be heartened by real orders to set
in motion wheels already stopped, and to speed up
those that are running.
"No sane manufacturer will at this time make
goods without orders ; because, however carefully
he figures, he would have to force the goods for
sale if they did not move quickly, and pocket new
losses.
"Prices are not done coming down, though some
lines have struck the cellar, and must rebound a bit
to reach a live-and-let-live basis. But a start must
be made somewhere to re-establish business and
confidence. The pessimist will create worse havoc
if the optimist does not prevail over him."
(To be concluded.)
(Special Correspondence to THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT,)
SEATTLE — Stabilization of prices and conditions
continues very favorably here. The steel market
has invited the confidence of investors and build-
ers during the past month. Architects report
a more definite inquiry as to costs. Pencil sketches
are rapidly multiplying. Lumber is acting sympa-
thetically with steel, and is now on a new lower oper-
ating cost. Increased production by labor is chiefly
to be credited.
With labor generally producing at normal capacity.
134
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
it is felt that the spring building season on the Pacific
Coast will gradually improve.
Sheet metal is meeting the Steel Corporation levels,
and there are sufficient stocks on hand for present
or early spring requirements. The railways are now
handling the hulk of the stock in transportation,
intercostal water transportation having proved rather
unsatisfactory. Pipe arrivals and deliveries are con-
siderably improved. All sizes are available. The
jobbing trade expresses the opinion that the situa-
tion is now satisfactory.
Seattle architects estimate this week that it will
require an expenditure of $125,000,000 to meet Pa-
cific Coast building needs, and that $50,000,000 spent
on construction in this city alone would not over-
build it. Architects who are willing to go on record
on this statement are firmly of the opinion that every
essential item in the construction line is now at a
reasonable basis, including labor. This city is three
years behind in Class A office buildings. A num-
ber of old office buildings await remodeling to be
brought to a modern revenue-producing level. There
is also a great need for Class A apartment houses.
Architects are recommending that this type of con-
struction be henceforth six and ten stories in height,
with most modern equipment and roof gardens.
There is a great need for hotels, an auditorium, hos-
pitals, a temple of music and more school buildings.
Methodists of this North Coast territory are gath-
ering funds for a $1,000,000 hospital, which they
hope to build in this city within the next two years.
Congress has been asked to appropriate $1,000,000
for a new immigration station at Seattle, and owing
to the urgent need for such a structure, it is be-
lieved here that the congressional budget will include
an appropriation for it.
The "Own-Your-Home" campaign is on in Seattle
this week. Posters are everywhere. Literature pre-
pared by the Seattle Real Estate Association is being
spread broadcast. Motion pictures are also being
utilized in the campaign of publicity.
Fir lumber wholesalers are refusing to sell short
on this market, indicating better confidence in fu-
tures than was shown'during the last quarter of
1920. Reduced log and labor costs, it is conceded,
will bring a recession in the market in big timbers
used in railway construction, but will not be reflected
in the building industry. Progress is being made in
securing water rates intercostal for hauling Fir lum-
ber tonnage into the Atlantic seaboard and south-
eastern territory, and with $18 from Puget Sound
to New York as competition, the railways announce
that a rate of 95 cents per hundred pounds may be
expected early in March. Should the overland lines
name this figure, it is certain that water rates will
decline still further, possibly to $15 per 1,000 feet.
Average prices at which the Fir mills sold lumber
during the last week mill basis were $49 for vertical
grain, and $23.50 to $29 for slash grain flooring,
$62 for stepping, $23 to $28 for drop siding. $15.50
for boards and shiplap, $13.50 for dimension and
$18.50 for plank and small timbers. The mills are
not accepting business on the present shingle price
to the trade of $1.85 to $1.95 for stars, and $2.10 to
$2.20 for clears, square-pack basis. The per thou-
sand basis of quoting shingles will be permanently
abolished when the mills resume the spring cutting.
(Special Correspondence to THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT)
CHICAGO — The work of last week's conference
of lumber and building materials manufacturers
showed practically no tangible results, and was sum-
marized in two resolutions, the first calling upon
building materials manufacturers to exert their best
efforts for reductions in construction costs, the
second suggesting that Congress be requested to
direct its amendatory attention to those laws which
interrupt the operation of natural economic laws,
such as unscientific revenue acts, excess profits tax,
excessive surtax on individual incomes, the Clayton
anti-trust act and the Adamson law.
The public uncertainty as to building costs is at
present blocking building, according to the opinions
of the majority present. This is the big factor. One
of the most important subordinate factors, as in-
dicated by many of the speakers, is the reluctance of
investors to take up mortgages when many tax-free
investments offer much better returns. Tax exempted
mortgages is one of the necessary steps in the build-
ing renaissance.
The conference looked upon the price problem as
the big obstacle. This is the reason for public uncer-
tainty, of course. There has been deflation in cer-
tain materials, but a great deal more in those
materials, and in others, was held by the conference
to be necessary to any sort of building program.
The meeting resolved itself finally into a general
plea for everyone to get down as close to bedrock
as it is now possible, so that public confidence may
be secured.
Labor came in for its share of criticism, practically
all present at the conference being distinctly of the
opinion that the desire of the Chicago Building
Trades Council to continue the $1.25 hour for union
building workmen for three years was wrong. It
was held that labor must take its loss with the others,
or else hold up the building program or invite an
open shop fight.
Speaking again of public confidence, the discussion
turned to advertising. The conspicuous example of
the Northern Pine Association in its "public confi-
dence" advertising campaign was referred to, as
well as the action of the paint and varnish industry
in its "Save the Surface" campaign. In line with
135
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
this policy of favorable publicity, the board of
directors of the National Lumber Manufacturers'
Association, the official host of the conference, de-
cided to raise and spend a fund of $300,000 to pro-
fnote public confidence in building and to do away
with the "unjustified prices" criticism.
Another important item in local building is the
recent indictments brought against 46 millwork
manufacturers, carpenter-contractors and union
leaders, alleging that the 1918 agreement which pro-
hibited Chicago union workmen from using non-
union sash, door and blinds established a virtual
monopoly by Chicago manufacturers on that line of
business, the open shop towns outside Chicago stand-
ing no chance in competition. It is said that the
arrangement added about $3,000,000 to the annual
rental bill of the city.
The manufacturers and carpenter-contractors hold
that the agreement was really a war-time truce with
union labor, and that they themselves would like to
see the agreement abrogated.
Building here is waiting for a further shakedown
in prices.
Lumber remains on fairly stable levels, with up-
ward tendency.
Local quotations are as follows :
Yellow Pine:—B. & B. 1 in., $95 to $130; 13-16,
3J4 flat flooring, $85 to $90 ; 2 by 4, 10 to 16 feet,
No. 1 long leaf, $51 ; 2 x 6, $48 to $49; 2 x 8, $49
to $50 ; 2 by 10, $52 to $54 ; 2 by 12, $54 and $56.
Northern Hardwoods, carload lots, Chicago :
Birch, four % No. 1 and 2, $155 ; select, $130 to
$138; No. 1 common, $95 to $100; No. 2 common,
$60 to $65 ; No. 3, $35 to $40.
Hard Maple, four y4 No. 1-2, $135 to $140; select,
$115 to $120; No. 1 common, $95 to $100; No. 2,
$60 to $65 ; No. 3, $32 to $50.
Red Gum, four % No. 1 and 2, $148 to $152;
No. 1 common, $88 to $92 ; No. 2, $43 to $47.
Birch, four ^ No. 1 and 2, $155 to $160; select,
$130 to $139; No. 1 common, $95 to $100; No.
2, $60 to $65 ; No. 3, $35 to $40.
Douglas Fir, 12 by 12, No. 1 up to 32 feet, $65 to
$75 ; 14 by 14, $68 to $75 ; 16 by 16, $70 to $75 ;
18 by 18. $75 to $80.
Cement : — Universal, $3 ; Lehigh, $3.00 ; Portland,
$3.00.
Bulk lime, $1.70 to $1.90; face brick, octagons,
$68 to $75 ; fire brick, $32 to $40; 12 in. .24 to .27,
18 in. .46 to .54.
Crushed stone gravel, $3.40 to $4 ; lake and bank
sand-torpedo, $3.40 to $4.
(Special Correspondence to THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT,)
BOSTON. — Unemployment continues, a recent
survey of the organized workers of Massachusetts by
the State Department of Labor and Industries show-
ing that it affects more than one-quarter of the
organized workers. Labor unions reported that out
of a total membership of 199,022, the number of idle
was 57,420. Inactivity in the boot and shoe industry
is about 45 per cent. But conditions are really
improving.
The strike of 30,000 building mechanics in Boston,
which started this week, continues. It was stated
at the headquarters of the Building Trades Em-
ployers' Association a few days ago that the employ-
ing contractors were seriously considering a reduc-
tion to 80 cents an hour, 10 cents below their former
offer of 90 cents. It is the opinion of many archi-
tects and engineers that a reduction to 90 cents an
hour is not sufficient to stimulate building.
In some sections and industries in New England,
confidence is nevertheless returning. New Bedford,
Fall River and other mill cities report an encourag-
ing flow of orders. The textile situation has defi-
nitely turned for the better. Wool showed a rebound
in prices, and the volume of business is decidedly
better. Some shoe factories report operation of ma-
chines which have been idle for months.
Deflation has yet to make its mark on some other
lines. It is reported that several of the independent
steel corporations, for instance, have cut plates this
week to $4 a ton under the U. S. Steel's figure.
It is thus evident that the whole problem is one
of adjusting prices in all industries to a common
level, so that the products oi one may be exchanged
for those of another on a fair and equal basis.
136
w
u
Pi
fc
c
u
X
u
w
OH
OH
K
C
fc
C
<
f-
o
e
o
ft:
te)
£
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
VOL. CXIX
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1921
NUMBER 2355
PLATFORM
THE TOWN HALL, NEW YORK CITY
McKIM, MEAD & WHITE, ARCHITECTS
What Is the Industry Going to Do About It?
Pertinent Proceedings and Impressions of the New York District Conference
of the Building and Construction Industry, Held in New York City,
January 25, 1921
You who transform the trees of the forest into lumber
for the building of homes ; you, the workers in clay and
the quarriers of stone ; you, who mine, convert and work
the metals used in construction; you, who buy and sell
the products of the quarry, the pit, the mine, the
forest, or manufacture them for sale in useful forms ;
you, who employ these products, as the artist uses his
colors and brush, as the mediums for permanent con-
crete expression of your genius in design ; you, who by
the work of your hands or your skill in executive man-
agement, assemble and fabricate these products into
buildings ; and you, who control the flow of industry's
life blood — capital and credit; all of you who, function-
ing together, constitute the building and construction
industry are called to take hold of your industry, lift
it off the flat of its back and stand it on its feet that
it may again go forward with increasing vigor in the
service by which it lives and the community prospers.
— From the Program of Action.
AND you, having just read this declaration of
purpose, are probably recalling, with a cynical
sort of smile, similar phraseology in several
such declarations which heralded other meetings of
this nature in the immediate past and which have
already sunk into an oblivion as complete and dis-
Copyright, 1981, The Architectural & Building Press (Inc.)
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
couragingly thorough as that oblivion which today
surrounds the details of Aztec civilization in Mexico.
But there is the exception to all things, and this,
in the overworked program of that much abused
"co-operation" which we are all only too anxious to
secure, will very probably prove itself a notable ex-
ception. There will be no need for the cynical
smile.
For this movement has already achieved both mo-
mentum and at least the beginnings of national im-
portance. From August 6, 1920, when the idea of
bringing all the elements of the building and con-
struction into a common meeting was actually made
concrete in the Atlantic City conference, there has
been the gradual growth of momentum. It has taken
root in Boston, New York, Pittsburgh, Chicago and
St. Louis, where groups, representative of the whole
local industry, are either organized or organizing to
discuss industry problems and group policies as a pre-
liminary to the first congress to be convened in the
Spring of 1921.
The district conference in New York City was
one of several which have already been held for the
purpose of sounding sentiment on the matter and
gathering whatever preliminary data on the subject
may be now gotten together for the Spring congress
of 1921.
THE BANKER'S ATTITUDE
The need for a congress such as this one, and for
local district councils, was emphasized by all the
speakers, but the fundamental and really significant
need was best pointed out, not so much by what was
actually said by two of the speakers as by a most
important fact developed as the result of their
addresses.
One of those addresses was made by Clarence
Kelsey, first vice-president of the Title Guaranty
& Trust Company of New York. It was, to our
way of thinking, the most important address of the
day, primarily because it came from a man in as
important a financial position as Mr. Kelsey, and
secondarily because it indicated the bankers' attitude
on building construction in the highly important
matter of credit. This is the first time, we believe,
that the financial element (and we take Mr. Kelsey
as representing a goodly portion of that element)
has spoken so directly on a topic which has unfor-
tunately been subjected to a silence second only to
that of the Sphinx.
"There are three main factors in any construction
undertaking," Mr. Kelsey began, "capital, material
and labor, and an owner who has or will borrow the
capital, invest it in the material and labor and look
to the result for profit.
"Capital is the fundamental requisite. Without it,
the next steps cannot be taken, but the procuring of
capital is only the first step and accomplishes nothing
if the next two cannot be taken.
"The second will not be taken no matter what the
prices for material and labor unless the third step
is covered in the promise of a reward to the owner.
"In the State of New York, the rent profiteering
laws have so far as housing is concerned practically
blocked the way for production or encouragement
in taking the third step. Those are temporary and
will soon, I believe, either be repealed or disre-
garded, and at any rate, in a little more than a year,
will have expired.
"The factors, therefore, for a great construction
movement are a supply of capital and a supply of
willing and faithful workmen and reasonable costs
of material.
"There is no great difficulty in the matter of
capital- — not nearly as much as is generally supposed
— at any rate so far as mortgage money is concerned.
It is true that the income surtaxes have driven the
large individual and estate mortgage lenders out of
the market, but their place is being taken, in a meas-
ure, by small ones through the activities of the title
insurance and mortgage companies, by their methods
of cutting up the large mortgages into small pieces
represented by certificates, sold to small investors.
The institutions also are coming back into the mar-
ket to some extent and making loans on their own
account.
"With regard to the balance of the capital required
to carry the equity, there is, I believe, greater dif-
ficulty, and that difficulty is involved to a consider-
able extent in the costs of labor and material. As
long as these costs remain so high, it is evident that
the builder or owner has to have a much larger
amount of capital of his own than was formerly
necessary, but neither the mortgage lender nor the
owner is eager to proceed until the costs of labor
and material come down. This, I believe, is the
crucial point to be covered if we are considering
a great construction development. It will not take
place on the current scale of material costs or of
labor cost and inefficiency.
"The recent exposures of the way material costs
are kept up are very disheartening and it is a bold
man who will proceed with an extensive building
program until assured that these combinations are
absolutely abandoned and that real competition in
price can be secured. Neither will there be a great
building movement until labor comes to its senses.
I do not mean by this, necessarily, a great cut »n
wages, but I do mean a great change in what the
laborer gives for his wages. I cannot understand
that labor can be so blind as to believe that business
can go on with ever increasing wages to labor and
ever decreasing performance by labor.
"I have not much hope of a satisfactory change
138
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
in this respect until the fundamental principles of
labor unions are reformed. The individual laborer
is standing in his own light and dwarfing his future
by consenting to them. How can the ambitious, in-
dustrious and thrifty mechanic expect to get ahead
unless he is rewarded for his skill and efficiency?
Until the labor unions permit classified lists, with
graded pay or piece work or some other method by
which the skilful can do better than the unskilful
and lazy, labor is bound to be inefficient.
"The result of the present policy we see all about
us. The more the employer pays to labor in dollars,
the less he gets in service. We all know that this
cannot last, that it is dishonest, and that nobody
suffers from the failure so much as the employee.
The whole thing travels in a circle and comes back
to the laborer in the rent that he pays, in the price
that he pays for everything that he buys.
"In my judgment, it is in the hands of the mate-
rial men and the labor unions to correct the whole
vicious situation which confronts us today and to
start a construction program that shall give work
and prosperity to all. Decreasing continually the
brick that a mason can lay, or the plastering that a
plasterer can put on, or the lath that one can affix,
the more his wages go up, means but one thing —
just what we see all about us.
"The problems stated in the program of this asso-
ciation that are crucial to its purposes are plainly
stated and can be easily solved if there is the real
and sincere will to do it.
VIEW FROM LOWER FLOOR
THE TOWN HALL, NEW YORK CITY
McKIM, MEAD & WHITE, ARCHITECTS
ORGAN DETAIL
THE TOWN HALL, NEW YORK CITY
McKIM, MEAD & WHITE, ARCHITECTS
"The first is, how can an adequate sup-
ply of skilled craftsmen be provided?
The answer is by giving the skilled crafts-
man a chance to do better than the veriest
slob at his trade.
"How shall the proper functions of the
respective elements be defined ? By each
one putting an honest price on his wares
or on his labor and honestly competing to-
get a job by fixing his price right and!
making his services efficient.
REASONABLE AND ABUNDANT CREDIT
"How can abundant credit resources be
made available at a reasonable cost? By
presenting for security to the mortgage
lender a property built with honest labor,
and material honestly priced, and so far
as the bank credits to the builder are con-
cerned, by convincing the banks that the
job is one honestly conducted and that the-
owner's money is not to be wasted on ma-
terial bought under the conditions of dis-
honest and unlawful combinations in price,
and with labor honestly endeavoring to
earn the money that is paid to it. The
139
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
banks will not lend to builders or ' material-men if
present conditions continue and they see that so
much money is wasted on the job that it never can
pay. They do not wish to lend to an owner whose
undertaking is bound to be a failure because he is
robbed in the construction of his building."
THE TOWN HALL, NEW YORK CITY
McKIM, MEAD & WHITE, ARCHITECTS
Mr. Kelsey was subjected to an unusual amount of
cross-questioning after his address. This came from
not only some of the labor leaders present, but from
others as well. On practically every matter affect-
ing labor about which he had anything to say [no-
tably the statement that certain mechanics were
limited to a fixed daily production by the unions or
some other element] he prefixed his answers by the
words, "I am informed," or "I believe."
These words were taken by Hugh Frayne, gen-
eral organizer of the American Federation of Labor,
in charge of the New York office, and formerly a
member of the War Industries Board, as the keynote
of his address.
"The best argument put forward here for a con-
gress such as this one," Air. Frayne em-
phasized at the very beginning of his re-
marks, "was Mr. Kelsey's speech."
There was a noticeable gasp at this state-
ment-
"His ignorance of labor conditions," Mr.
Frayne continued, "emphasizes the need for
just such a gathering and just such a congress
as this gathering proposes. He tells you that
he is informed of the existence of certain
conditions. Now, we are all informed of
almost everything, but there are degrees of
being informed.
"He tells you that he 'understands there
exists' or is 'informed' of certain malprac-
tices, among which is the arbitrary reduction
of individual daily production by certain
agencies, just what he does not know. Let
V me say that in my long experience with both
employers and employee, with the man who
^ hires and the man who is hired, I have never
known of any organization going on record,
or of any law intended to limit the amount
of work any individual may do in a day or
week or month. No one is more opposed to
the man who isn't willing to give service than
I, but I do not believe it fair to charge labor
as a whole with inefficiency because of isolated
cases. I admit that such cases exist, but they
are comparatively insignificant in numbers.
"I don't say that we have all the good peo-
ple in labor, but I do deny that we have all
the bad ones. I speak as a mechanic, who has
worked with his hands and has had expe-
rience in handling men on many construc-
tion jobs. I know the elements that enter
into individual production, or group produc-
tion. Various factors, such as weather,
enter into the problem of production ;
and no one can arbitrarily set a daily
standard for production, because no one
is powerful enough to remove the factors which
naturally increase or decrease such production from
day to day-"
Speaking of the so-called "war record" of labor,
Mr. Frayne said :
"We have heard all sorts of talk about the ineffi-
ciency and high pay of labor during the war, and
it is most unfair talk. What happened at that time?
The shipyards illustrate it vividly. The Government
140
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
and private corporations were forced to get men and
get them quickly, and as a result they took them
wherever they could find them. A young fellow, ac-
customed, let us say, to stenography, went into the
shipyards to work. His reaction to his surroundings
— the noise, the dirt, and even those with whom he
worked — was psychologically horrible, and as a re-
sult, that young fellow could not possibly produce
efficiently. He wasn't trained, he wasn't accustomed
to the work, and he didn't like it. He could be
nothing but an inefficient worker.
"There were thousands like him. Their combined
efforts produced astounding inefficiency. And who
suffered most?
"The trained worker, of course. He was used to
the work, knew his trade, and liked it, and he was
producing. But he was arbitrarily dumped into a
general rating-pot, with the newcomers [necessarily
inefficient] and his efficiency rating was based on the
total man power, instead of the trained man power."
Mr. Frayne then discussed the moral responsibil-
ity of employers toward the men they hire, and em-
phasized the fact that in all discussions and all the
ENTRANCE DETAIL
THE TOWN HALL, NEW YORK CITY
McKIM, MEAD & WHITE, ARCHITECTS
talk about labor the human element has been com-
pletely lost sight of. He maintained that it was
the duty of the employer, when he hired a man to
work for him, to see to it that that man was either
trained when hired or was trained after being hired.
''What's wrong?" he asked. "Is labor getting too
much pay? Is production low? Is labor failing
to do its full duty?
"Wages are not too high. The price of almost
every commodity went up before wages, and that
ENTRANCE DETAIL
THE TOWN HALL, NEW YORK CITY
McKIM, MEAD & WHITE, ARCHITECTS
increase had to be, and was met by increased wages.
We are not going back to pre-war standards.
"We are part of an industry upon whose well-
being the livelihood of millions of workers depends,
and we are looking here for some remedy to an
appalling situation.
BETTER SYSTEM OF TRAINING NEEDED
"The remedy is simple enough. Keep in mind
always the human equation. There you have it.
More specifically, see to it that a better system of
training for the workers of the industry is brought
about. Pick trained men when you hire them, or
train them. I am for this conference, heart and
soul as many architects and engineers here can tell
you. I have always believed in agreements between
employer and employee. I have sat down and talked
things over with some of the men in this room, and
they were all employers of labor. I have found that
when they knew our side of the case, from first hand,
when they had facts, and not gossip, at their com-
mand, they always treated us fairly.
141
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
"I am satisfied that this is a great step forward,
for it brings all the elements of the industry together.
And all the elements have never before been brought
together. Mark that statement.
"This is a big thing, and I am for it, personally
and officially, and I can assure you that co-operation
of the sort intended here will do more to clear the
situation and put the building industry back on its
feet than any other factor.
"Let me add this. There are thousands upon
thousands of trained and skilled craftsmen and
workers in the building industry, and they can find
work. If you employers in New York co-operate
with them, they will work for you and work well
for you. But if you don't co-operate, if you don't
show some intention of laying your cards on the
table, they'll go elsewhere to work. And there is.
work to be had elsewhere, gentlemen.
"As for labor, I want to say right here that we
will lay our cards on the table, face up and in full
view of whoever may wish to look at them. I prom-
ise you that."
These two addresses sum up the spirit and essence
and possibilities of this conference better than any-
thing else that was said, because they come author-
itatively from two of the most vital factors in any-
building program, and because they represent the
official attitude of those factors.
MR. KOHN OPENS THE DISCUSSION'
The morning session of the conference was given
over to five addresses, two of which were of un-
doubted importance to architects. One was Mr.
Frayne's, the other that of Robert D. Kohn. Mr.
Kohn took no pains whatsoever to spare the feel-
ings of other architects present, and his remarks, at
the opening of the session, were made doubly im-
portant in view of his personal and particular im-
portance in this movement and in the profession of
architecture.
"I am ashamed of the industry of which I am a
part," he said, "I am ashamed of what I myself may
have done in that industry. I know nothing about
this great industry as a whole. I don't know why
materials fluctuate as they do, why men come into
the building industry and leave it, how many do so,
what controls material prices, and why there isn't
any money to be had for the second greatest industry
in America.
"I recognize as one of the fundamental difficulties
that there is a shortage of skilled labor, due, as I see
it, to competitive bidding between employers for that
labor. This was especially true during the war
period. . . .
"The problems before us are reduceable to one,
and that problem is how best to get at facts and
secure co-operation. T confess that architects have
been of the 'stand-offish' sort for too long a period,
but they have come to the point today where they
realize that they are an integral part of the. in-
dustry. . . .
"We are not here to argue over matters, or to
discuss the open shop or any other factors having
to do with that phase of the labor situation. We
don't care about the open shop, and we don't want
to hear about it. We do want to conduct a scientific
investigation into five things, as I see it. One is
the supply of labor. The second has to do with
those reasons which impel men to come into this
industry and work in it, whether they be architects,
craftsmen or bricklayers. The motive may be simple
enough, but what authoritative data have we regard-
ing the labor turnover in the building industry, and
all such factors? We want to find out just how
important the architect is or should be in this great
industry, and why he is actually that important. We
want to find out about materials. And we shall hear
something today about finance.
"The second largest industry in the United States
is helpless today, because there is a lack of co-opera-
tion. That is a ridiculous situation. An industry in
which at least 15,000,000, perhaps 20,000,000 people
are engaged, finds itself on its back, unable to get
up and stand on its feet. Due to finance? Well, it
seems to me that the millions engaged in this in-
dustry can create their own credits, quite independ-
ent of banks and trust companies. That may be
far fetched, and probably is, but it points a solution.
"We are here to determine the need for a national
movement, for a local group, and the field of
activities."
W. G. Luce, of Hegeman-Harris Company, rep-
resenting the contractors, then emphasized what Mr.
Kohn had said regarding co-operation, pointing out
that at a dinner in Philadelphia, similar in purpose
to this conference, the Executive Committee of the
American Federation of Labor had this to say re-
garding the movement and the Congress idea:
"The architect has been way up in the sky for a
long time, and we never felt that we could get to
him. If he comes into this thing, as he has here
and will do so in other places, we will be just fifteen
years ahead of the game, because the presence of the
architect at gatherings like these indicates a genuine
desire to get down to brass tacks and do something."
Mr. Luce referred to a conversation he had with
one of the associate editors of this journal on the
previous day, in which the editor told him that the
housing problem had reached the point of a national
crisis (strikingly similar to the war) and that co-
operation such as the war brought forth among every
industrial element of the nation should now show
its hand on the same basis.
"I thought that over last night," Mr. Luce said,
142
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
"and that fellow was right. This is a national crisis,
and we need co-operation of the sort we showed
during the war."
TEN CONCRETE THINGS TO BE DONE
The afternoon session was given to several ad-
dresses and a great deal of discussion, but the most
important and vital of them all, from the standpoint
of the architect (in that it provided ten more or less
concrete things which the local councils and national
congress may actually get under way immediately)
was the short address by Louis K. Comstock, of
L. K. Comstock & Company, which presented the
point of view of the sub-contractor in the situation.
"Business men today don't know where they stand
under the law," Mr. Comstock stated emphatically.
"There is no machinery for finding out in advance
if you're going to violate the law or not. We need
that, to begin with, and this local group can con-
tribute its share of such information to the national
body.
"We need a code of practice. Not a Hettrick
code, but a code based on the old English Law of
Merchant. We need a machinery to enforce that
code. . . .
"We need a great many things, but here are ten
which I believe we can get at in this national congress
this spring; and these things are justification enough
for this and similar meetings which have taken place
or will take place in other cities.
"The Congress can :
1. Improve the facilities of the building industry;
2. Standardize documents and laws affecting the build-
ing industry;
3. Secure harmony of action on questions affecting
materials, finance, and credits;
4. Safeguard the building industry against waste and
fraud;
5. Increase total production in the building industry
by elimination of waste effort;
6. Work for trade regulations and legislative increases
which will facilitate and encourage the development of
the economic side of the building industry.
7. Centralize data concerning the technical and eco-
nomic features of the building industry;
8. Inform and create public opinion, through publi-
cation of facts regarding conditions in the building in-
dustry and through the dissemination of views of tech-
nical experts and business men;
9. Cultivate personal acquaintanceship among build-
ers, architects, engineers, and contractors in order to
lessen group and sectional prejudices and misunder-
standings;
10. Promote peaceful progress, cordial relationships
and co-operation among individuals of the industry.
"These are the things," Mr. Comstock concluded,
"that we can investigate now ; these are some of the
things that demand correlation of facts; and these
are the sorts of problems which this congress will
be fully prepared to deal with accurately and
effcctii'dv if local groups, such as this one, do their
full share toward contributing their co-operation in
the general scheme of action."
RESOLUTION ADOPTED
A resolution designed to give continuity to the
conference and permanance to its work was intro-
duced by H. C. Turner, and unanimously adopted.
The resolution read as follows :
WHEREAS it is the conviction of this New York Dis-
trict Conference that a National Congress of the Build-
ing and Construction Industry, in which there will be
represented every functional element of the industry, is
the indispensable instrumentality for the needed co-
ordination of the industry to the end that the industry
may progressively raise the standard of quality and
the extent of its services to the public; and
WHEREAS the National Congress, to be successful,
must result from a local demand for it arising from an
understanding of the constructive value of the contacts
and frank discussion which are possible only locally;
and
WHEREAS, the National Congress can be given con-
tinuity _only by reason of continuous local contacts and
discussion, be it
RESOLVED, That a permanent conference of the Build-
ing and Construction Industry in the New York District
be created; and be it further
RESOLVED, That to the end that such a permanent
conference be created, that an organizing committee
be appointed consisting of two architects, two general
contractors, two sub-contractors, two labor representa-
tives, two manufacturers, two dealers, two financiers
and two engineers, together with such others as will
make the committee representative of every interest
and element in the industry in the New York District
to prepare a program providing for the creation of a
permanent conference of the Building and Construction
Industry in the New York District.
Further discussion of routine matters followed
this introduction, after which adjournment was de-
clared by the chairman, Mr. Kohn, until the organiz-
ing committee should be ready to report.
BIRTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONGRESS IDEA
Sullivan Jones, who acted as chairman of the
morning session, and who is temporary secretary of
the movement at present, explained the idea of the
congress. Mr. Jones has been one of the most active
members of the Executive Board of the Congress.
"To get at the facts," Mr. Jones explained, "to
establish the basis for common action and under-
standing upon common interests, the idea of a per-
manent congress of the several elements in the in-
dustry was evolved at a conference in Atlantic City
on August 6, 1920, which was attended by repre-
sentative architects, contractors, sub-contractors, en-
gineers, manufacturers of building materials and
labor men. This conference appointed a Congress
Organizing Committee, which met in Chicago on
September 27th, and that committee declared the
National Congress of the Building and Construc-
tion Industry created, to bring together in co-opera-
tion every element contributing towards or concerned
in the building industry in a movement intended to
promote the efficiency and improve the quality and
extent of the service rendered for the public good
by that industry. It was resolved that a thorough
143
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
study be made of the relations of the various ele-
ments and industries which enter into building and
construction activities, that a congress be convened
as soon as practicable to consider the ways and means
of eliminating the various factors which have re-
tarded necessary building and construction, and that
a building and construction congress be permanently
tion. The congress should not be regarded as an
organization, but as an institution. It is to be a
deliberative body or forum without mandatory
powers. For its own enlightenment it may, if it so
decides, create and direct or employ research
agencies. And to give its effort continuity it may
set up executive machinery.
VIEW FROM THE PLATFORM
THE TOWN HALL, NEW YORK CITY
McKIM, MEAD & WHITE, ARCHITECTS
established to give continuity to the national bene-
ficial objects which gave it birth.
"The committee then appointed a Congress Ex-
ecutive Committee which met in Pittsburgh on Octo-
ber 29th and reorganized itself into an Executive
Board of forty to be composed of five representa-
tives from each of the following elements of the
industry : general contractors, sub-contractors, archi-
tects, engineers, manufacturers and distributors of
materials and equipment, labor and investment
capital.
FUNCTION OF THE CONGRESS
"The purpose, as expressed by the Executive
Board, is not to create another national organiza-
"The driving power behind the movement is the
fervent hope that the congress may become a brain
for the building and construction industry; that it
may become an instrument for securing facts, for
thinking in terms of facts, and for planning the
future course of the whole industry as a unified,
frictionless, productive mechanism. But there is no
thought that the congress should usurp or infringe
the prerogatives of, or limit the autonomy of any
existing organization."
Some of the men thus far identified with the
movement are :
General Contractors— W. G. Luce, F. G. Webber,
A. P. Greensfelder, Otto M. Eidlitz.
144
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Sub-Contractors — L. K. Comstock, Oscar A. Reum,
Frank W. Howard, Ronald Taylor.
Engineers — Morris Knowles, F. C. Shenehon, F. A.
Burdett.
Architects— Robert D. Kohn, M. B. Medary, Jr., E. J.
Russell, S. W. Jones.
Labor — T. R. Preece, James P. Noonan, John H.
Donlin, George F. Hedrick.
Manufacturers — Wharton Clay, W. L. Hodskin, O.
Spear.
Investment Bankers — Walter Stabler.
amount of projected work is released? In the fu-
ture, how shall the industry escape the effects of
both under-production and over-production?
How is an adequate supply of skilled craftsmen
in the several trades to be provided and maintained ?
How is genuinely co-operative effort by employers
and wage earners (whether the wage earners are
organized or unorganized) to be substituted for the
GENERAL VIEW OF INTERIOR
THE TOWN HALL, NEW YORK CITY
McKIM, MEAD & WHITE, ARCHITECTS
The first congress is to be convened early in 1921.
This first congress will be composed of fifteen dele-
gates from each of the named elements of the
industry.
SOME OF THE PROBLEMS DEMANDING CONSIDERATION
Among the problems which the first congress will
probably consider, the Executive Committee men-
tions the following :
How is the industry to prepare itself to meet the
demand for structural materials; a demand now po-
tential, but which will become real when the vast
antagonism which, in the past, has checked pro-
duction?
How shall abundant credit resources be made
available, at reasonable cost, to the industry in order
that it may function in satisfying public need ?
How shall the industry be led to adopt a uniform
and equitable policy in bidding and with respect to
contract terms and conditions ?
How shall the industry be led to adopt a uniform
of the respective elements of the industry be defined,
and how shall performance be assured in order that
maximum efficiency may be attained?
Quite a program !
145
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
A Street in Newport
(See reproduction of original drawing by O. K. Eggers on opposite, page)
There is nothing in the view of this quaint, winding street,
so picturesquely shown by Mr. Eggers, to suggest that it is
a close neighbor to a section renowned all over the world for
its palatial residences and the homes of multi-millionaires.
The native population of Newport, with commendable
regard for the traditions which surround this town, have
kept as far as possible free from incursions of modernism.
The artist in drawing this picture has presented a street in
the old town of Newport as it probably looked a century ago.
One may almost with accuracy trace the successive stages
of building. Undoubtedly the houses, with their gambreled
gables facing on to the street, were the earliest types. In
the distance rises the spire of Trinity Church, shown in an
earlier illustration. There are many well designed historic
buildings in Newport. The neighborhood has long been a
favorite sketching ground.
The State House, illustrated in an earlier issue, and in
which is hung the original portrait of Washington by
Gilbert Stuart, the old market house, dating from Ij()^, the
Redwood Library and the Jewish Synagogue are among
those best known.
146
A STREET, NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
ARCHITECT Serlt, of Earl, Ameritaa Arthtttttur,
^^
American Architecture
IX this column the idea of regional and indigenous
architecture has been discussed frequently. In
a country which embraces such a diversity of cli-
mate, topography and structural materials as the
United States, this is but a natural consequence and
these regional types are being developed gradually.
The ultimate center of population, culture and wealth
will embrace a vast territory. The natural resources,
topography and climate will not be so diversified but
that a great regional and indigenous architecture will
be evolved. By mere preponderance of numbers and
extent this may become the American architecture
and the other types become regional. Be this as it
may, the entire subject is one for interesting spec-
ulation.
The attitude of the architectural schools will have
a powerful influence and indications justify the opin-
ion that the educators are now busily taking stock,
to use a phrase from the article entitled "Westward
Ho !" on another page, with the endeavor to place
architectural education on the new basis that con-
ditions demand. To aid them in this, the profession
should lend its assistance and in doing so lay aside
intolerance and prejudice, approaching the subject
with an open mind.
AMERICAN ARCHITECT has main-
tained the idea that the practice of architecture
is a business as well as an art and profession. In
the new scheme for architectural education these two
components must be recognized, each in its proper
proportion. Shall these matters be adjusted as the
result of demands or will they be established in lead-
ership? There need be no ruthless tearing down of
old idols and the institution of new gods, but rather
a revaluation of the stock in hand which will natur-
ally cause the development of new ideas and poss\bly
an American architecture through the eternal force
of evolution, quickened by the fast changing condi-
tions of this day. Education of today influences the
architecture of the morrow and we must unselfishly
prepare for the architectural future in which we can
have no participation except through the influence of
our works of this day. The educational scheme of
today must be predicated on the suppositional needs
of the future and these can only be established by
free, open and unbiased discussion. Professional
thought cannot be directed toward a more worthy
subject.
Ethics in Architectural Design
"^ HAT men retain an architect to design their
-1 buildings is a confession that they themselves
know little of architecture. That they engage interior
decorators is further proof that art holds aloof from
them shrouded in a haze of misunderstanding.
What is the mental process of the architect or the
decorator when a client first consults him? Where
does sincerity enter into his calculations in conform-
ing to the wishes of the client?
Should an architect or a decorator express the
client's individuality even if the result be artistically
bad, or should he express his own properly developed
sense of art though it may not represent the client.
Shall he descend to a French rococo house for the
prim spinster who has inherited a fortune but knows
nothing of art, or may he build a pure Georgian for
the artistically ignorant butcher. Shall he design an
inferior house to represent an inferior person, or
shall he make it possible for an artistically ignorant
man to pose as a connoisseur by means of a few well
learned phrases about the beauty with which an archi-
tect or a decorator may have surrounded him ?
These questions sooner or later force themselves
upon every architect.
The very fact that an architect is retained presup-
poses a certain amount of carte blanche for him.
The chances are that if he is tactful he can prevail
upon a client to modify his preconceptions. Hence
the importance of his influence and the need for his
having a point of view.
An architect is a professional man who by educa-
tion and training has a certain public responsibility
to bear. He must uphold the dignity and beauty
of architecture, and through it the dignity and beauty
147
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
of human beings. He cannot assume that certain
persons are inferior. It is up to him to do his part
to keep them at the level of their best moments. A
man's intercourse with an architect may be the one
contact of a lifetime with art. If architects are to
do their full duty to raise the standards of living,
they can find ample opportunity in their intercourse
with prospective clients, to teach them the whys and
the wherefores of good architecture, and make it
something to be respected and loved, and then logi-
cally followed. While to adapt the architecture to
the type of owner is considerably simpler than to
adapt the owner to the type of architecture, it is de-
sirable to do this in cases where it seems possible
to develop the owner. Instead of building down to
the level of the inartistic butcher, give him the sort
of house that he must live up to. If he is surrounded
with certain refinements in his home, these will in-
evitably tell, for environment is more powerful than
we suspect. By going into the elements of archi-
tectural design with a client, it is possible either to
teach him, or to convince him that your experience
and advice is the thing he has sought.
If the artistically ignorant man poses in his new
home, the very fact that he acts the artist gradually
tends to give him the artist point of view. One
cannot pretend to appreciate a thing without soon
really appreciating it.
It is, of course, fortunate when a client sincerely
yearns for good architecture and is willing to defer
to his architect for most of the details. But such
clients are rare and hard to find. It is infinitely more
to the credit of an architect to succeed when all the
circumstances are trying and difficult ; when the client
is perverse, the money scarce, and all the rest. In
the building of homes, architects do more to con-
serve and promote the happiness and well-being of
communities than can be readily conceived. When
they do it without co-operation, when they turn
antagonism into harmony, when they raise vulgarity
to refinement, then, indeed, have they done a great
work.
Reducing Transportation Tangles
THERE is nothing which will further reduce the
cost of building than effective transportation of
materials. This statement is based upon the sup-
position of fixed prices for fixed periods, of course.
There is nothing that will better speed the building
program of this nation than efficient transportation.
It is therefore the important duty of every archi-
tect to be familiar with transportation. Architects,
as a whole, realize this. And nothing is of more im-
portance in this problem at the present moment than
the Esch-Cummins law and its effects. It may be
shown that it works injury, and that it was actuated
by motives not entirely of a constructive nature, yet
the fact remains that 1920 was the record railroad
year for a nation whose railroads have most certainly
been the "standard of the world" from the stand-
point of efficiency. These achievements of the year
were achievements in every sense of the word.
In the nine full months (only nine months in which
to recover from government control) since the Gov-
ernment turned back the railroads to their owners
on March 1, the railroad companies under private
operation have:
"1. Increased the average movement per freight
car per day 6.3 miles — from 22.3 to 28.6 miles.
"2. Increased the average load per car 1.7 tons —
from 28.3 to 30 tons.
"3. Made substantial reduction in the number of
unserviceable locomotives.
"4. Reduced the accumulation of loaded but un-
moved freight cars from 103,237 on March 1, to
21,991 on December 3, of which only 6,386 were de-
tained because of the inability of the railroads to
move them.
"5. Relocated approximately 180,000 box cars
from the East to the West for the movement of farm
produce.
"6. Relocated approximately 180,000 open top
cars from the West to the East to keep up the pro-
duction of coal.
"7. Moved the third highest coal production in
the history of the country.
"8. Spent over $500,000,000 extra on improving
the maintenance of tracks, bridges, cars and locomo-
tives.
"9. Contracted to spend about $250,000,000,
largely out of earnings for additions and betterments
to promote the movement of cars.
"10. Made arrangements to purchase approxi-
mately 50,000 new freight cars, 1,500 new locomo-
tives and 1,000 new passenger cars.
"11. Begun the reconstruction of thousands of
old cars.
"12. Moved — with a deteriorated plant, under
disturbed labor and business conditions — the largest
volume of traffic ever known in a single year, with
the highest efficiency yet achieved, and with a min-
imum addition to the value of the property on which
the public has to pay a return through rates."
Such a record is one of which to be proud. It
shows efficiency. It shows a splendid grasp of the
railroad problem by the men whose business it is to
keep those roads running. It indicates what can be
done in 1921 if the brains of the railroad companies
really get into the full swing of efficient reconstruc-
tion and recovery.
148
Westward -Ho!
FOOD and shelter are the two essentials for
human existence. The first is universal; the
latter varies with the latitude. The one con-
cerns agriculturists, fisher-folk and stockmen; the
other, architects. All shelter involves architecture
whether it consists of caves or structures made of
assembled parts; therefore, architecture is essential
to human existence. Architecture, being the art of
constructing buildings, varies with the latitude pri-
marily and with the civilization of the people sec-
ondarily.
A civilization can be accurately gauged by its food
and its architecture. Related indications are too nu-
merous and varied for present discussion. The high-
est degree of civilization is that whose architecture
has the correct relation between utility and beauty;
the kind, preparations and manner of consuming its
food is also a certain indication. The hut of the
aborigines may contain all of the utilities that they
require but in them we, at least, find no evidences
of beauty or the conveniences of civilization. The
richly decorated tent of the wandering Bedouin pos-
sesses beauty of color and texture but, like the abor-
iginal hut, lacks in comparative utility or conve-
niences. And so it goes, until we enter the XIX
century when utility and beauty approach a parity.
At the present time utility is probably in the lead
due to the predominance of commercialized industry.
To make a parity there must be an increase of beauty.
In Harper's" Magazine for January, Mr. W. L.
George makes this statement : "The civilization that
the Middle West creates within the next fifty years
will be the American civilization." The certainty of
this prophecy can be demonstrated. The civilized
world today is taking stock and everything therein
is invoiced and the evaluation will be carefully con-
sidered. What, then, of architecture? Will it as
one of the two essentials to human existence be in
its rightfully dominant position with food or will it
find collocation in parity with less essential things?
Architecture is either quick or dead. There can
be no in-between existence. What, then, is that
architecture which can be called "quick" ? In taking
stock, this must be determined, as "dead" commodi-
ties are not an asset. "Quick" architecture can only
result from the efforts of a creative instinct. This
instinct must be the underlying motif of architecture.
It seems that the written words of that beloved Old
Roman of Western Architects, Irving K. Pond, state
the fundamental principle:
"Man has been struggling upward throughout the
ages, struggling to attain the ideal. By this struggle,
conscious as it has been, and with definite purpose, he
is marked as of an order higher than the beasts, which
struggle for existence impelled by habit and guided by
instinct only. Habit is life in the beast's creation; but
habit in man has been aptly denominated the soul's
tomb. In reviewing the struggles and achievements of
man it will become apparent that habit builds the tomb
of art; that when the spirit no longer inspires, but
forms are repeated from mere habit and for form's
sake, art has ceased to live and architecture reared in
her name is her tomb."
Habits of the right kind which control personal
conduct are desirable and necessary and so is rational
thinking. Can live architecture result from the habit
of designing from the great volumes which illustrate
the works of Good, Bad and Indifferent, or Brown,
Black and White, copied largely from the old mas-
ters; or will it result from hard work actuated by
a creative instinct ? Is American architecture a dull
habit or a live, potent actuality?
Good architecture will live through the ages only
in its native environment. It cannot be transplanted
to other lands, peoples and amid strange ideals, with-
out depreciation. The same is true of Sumatra
wrappers grown in Connecticut. The good archi-
tecture of the past should be acknowledged, appre-
ciated and absorbed and it will be reincarnated only
through the inspiration and culture it yields to a
creative spirit.
In Washington and other cities there have been
erected imposing structures consisting of correctly
proportioned basement, colonnade and entablature,
duplicates of those erected by the ancients for an
entirely different purpose and relationship to the
building itself. Was this designing the result of
habit or a frank acknowledgment of inability to
treat those great bulks of structures as wall surfaces
enclosing a building? It was obviously the most
easy thing to do.
Nearly three decades ago a great exposition was
constructed on the shores of Lake Michigan and it
had a pronounced influence on American architec-
ture. The classic school was the one more in vogue,
one example of Spanish and one which might be
called American architecture. Recalling those days,
the impression of the Corinthian water gate and
peristyle and the agricultural building is that of a
dead age, ruins, a tomb. Perhaps the old illustrated
books of history and foreign travel which showed
ruins consisting of a few standing columns with
entablature and pediment in part connected with the
impression of ruins with the peristyle.
The administration building, with its great dome
designed in a French style, did not fit either to the
classic Watergate and peristyle or the low extensive
buildings adjacent. All these white buildings against
149
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
the cold blue lake give a sense of chill and departed
glory.
Hut turn from the setting sun, standing on the
bridge over the lagoon to face the great golden west-
ern door of Sullivan's Transportation building. One
stood still and looked with sheer delight at the pros-
pect. That great door with its marvelous arch so
richly and delicately ornamented, so beautifully col-
ored, was a living, vibrant, pulsating thing and alive.
It stirred all the senses, reacting through those beau-
tifully chaste and splendid Muses of poetry, painting
and music. Face then the West and through the
golden dusk of the Midway behold —
"Gamboge and gold, broad sunset colors strewed
The purple west as if, with God imbued,
Her mighty palette Nature there laid down."
Architecture, the quick and the dead !
Of that American civilization developed in the
Middle West an American architecture will be a
concomitant. A starting has been made, the influ-
ence of which is becoming more discernible as time
passes and prsjudices are broken down. The burden
of its development does in truth seem to rest with
the Mid-west universities and architects. They will
be equal to the demand, imbued with the spirit of
that great empire, the Valley of Democracy through
which flows the Father of Waters. — A. L.
Are You a Trained Observer?
THERE is a world of difference between casual
observation and systematic, purposeful obser-
vation. A careful scientific observer can learn
more in a few months about a given subject than the
average man learns in a lifetime about it. The
difference lies mainly in two factors: (1) the rela-
tive concentration of attention, and (2) the analysis
and comparison of data.
Mr. Ernest Coxhead, of San Francisco, has
written on "Training the Architect by Direct
Method." One of his most suggestive statements
was this:
"The power to visualize architecture is not to
be developed to any extent merely by seeing things,
or by gaining fleeting impressions, but by observa-
tion, focused and concentrated upon the object in
general, and in detail, by actual contact with the
building and by means of measured drawings and
sketches and notes, further impressing upon the
mind the observations made. The essence of the
direct method then lies in taking the student to
architecture and confronting him with it in three
dimensions, life-size, as opposed to the atelier
method of focusing his attention upon mere docu-
mentary representation of the actual building. In
the latter case his sense of scale is undeveloped, his
ideas of proportion remain distorted, and, by labo-
rious mental effort, he sometimes is able to con-
struct in his mind from the documentary study of
plan, elevation, and section what the subject of
study, or something akin to it, is in the reality."
Mr. Coxhead is emphasizing the "direct method,"
or the "field work method," of training architects,
with particular reference to developing a sense of
proportion. We quote him, however, for another
purpose, namely, to emphasize the value of "ob-
servation, focused and concentrated upon the sub-
ject."
When an engineer is asked to state his experience
in a given field we are all prone to give undue
weight to the number of years of his experience.
Rarely do we undertake to measure the degree of
his concentration of observation during those years.
Yet without concentration of observation, mere
personal presence among suitable surroundings
adds little to any man's knowledge. During the
last 200 years men have learned more about natural
laws than during all the countless centuries before,
not because modern man has a better brain than
his ancestors, but because he has employed better
methods' of studying nature. In like manner a well
trained young engineer may learn more in ten years
than an ill trained engineer has learned in fifty.
More and more do educators realize that their
main functions are, first, to arouse ambition, and,
second, to instill lasting habits of carefully observ-
ing, reading and reasoning. It seems to us that
engineering societies should also endeavor to
strengthen such habits. To this end it will be wise
to have classes in scientific observing, classes in
systematic reading, classes in memorizing, and
classes in logic. Call them classes in applied psy-
chology, if you please, to differentiate them from
classes whose main object it is to impart informa-
tion rather than to develop mental habits.
It does not suffice to know what to do and how
to do it. Men must be habituated by long practice,
usually under mental trainers, to act in accordance
with the principles to which they readily give lip
service.
150
ft
<^
p
^
cp
e
h
u
w
h
H-l
ffi
U
u
>— <
Pi
w
w
nc
PH
o
VOL. CXIX No. 2355
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
FEBRUARY 9, 1921
LONGITUDINAL SECTION
THE TOWN HALL, NEW YORK CITY
McKIM, MEAD & WHITE, ARCHITECTS
0
ft
K
K
K
H
U
W
H
t-H
ffi
U
U
I— I
&
w
w
ffi
H
2!
X
X
<"
u b
"
d, W
m <
I a
81
~
•<
M
25
W
H
U
w
h
u
u
I— I
pi
w
w
ffi
H
4
O
^icfflfci?-^^^^
Good Design Increases Rental Values
Common-Sense Alterations Made an Old Loft Building Into Desirable
Space and Brought Increased Rentals
I
N all the big cities
there are a large
number of loft
buildings that have got-
ten into such a state of
disrepair that they are
undesirable, are hard to
fill and bring exceedingly
low rentals. Such was
the case with No. 45
Maiden Lane, New York
City. The photograph
shows just how it looked
on the outside and is a
good indication of the
interior appearance as
well. Before it was re-
modeled the outside fire
escape shut off light, was
unsightly, and it is even
doubtful if it could have
served the purpose for
which it was intended
if an emergency should
have arisen.
The building was not
attractive either outside
or inside ; it was even
repulsive. There was
difficulty in finding
tenants and the rentals
hardly paid for the main-
tenance and o p e r a t -
ing expense. These fac-
tors prompted the lessee
to remodel the building
along up-to-date lines.
EXTERIOR OF BUILDING AFTER REMODELING
Note the ventilating louvres at the left
151
THE AMERICAN AR-
CHITECT presents here,
as an example of the
best method of rehabil-
itating such a building, a
description of the thor-
ough alteration made at
45 Maiden Lane through
the plans and supervis-
ion of the firm of
Charles H. Higgins, Ar-
chitects Engineers, for
Adolphe Schwobe, Inc.
Importers and Assem-
blers of Watches.
In discussing the de-
velopment of this proj-
ect, Mr- Higgins was
emphatic in stating that
the principal motive in
the design of this plan
was "fitness to accom-
plish the owner's pur-
pose." The arrangement
and character of parts,
movement of materials
and persons, protection
from weather and fire
compactness, orderliness,
convenience, and proper
working conditions for
men and women, safety,
light, heat, ventilation,
sanitation, all make for
accomplishment of this
purpose. A home for
business.
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
EXTERIOR OF OLD BUILDING AT NO. 45 MAIDEN
LANE
As the second photograph indicates, the obscuring
and unsightly outside fire escape was removed from
the front of the building and was replaced by fire-
proof enclosed stairs within. It was then possible
to give the front of the building a clean and neat
appearance at a fairly nominal expense.
The interior alterations included an attractive en-
trance hall and mezzanine balcony that increased the
floor space in addition to making the appearance
more attractive. The walls and floors were refin-
ished throughout the entire building.
From the floor plan it will be seen that the build-
ing is a long and narrow one, 17 ft. 3 in. x 124 ft.
3 in., to be exact. The difficulty of properly light-
ing, heating and ventilating such a building is at once
apparent inasmuch as the side walls, 125 feet long,
are solid walls and necessarily few windows or
other openings. Even where windows were allowable,
the light would be cut off by the adjacent buildings.'
Part of the problem was solved by the method of
indirect light. The fixtures were suspended from
the ceiling and the light was reflected upon the white
surface and then diffused through considerable area.
The white walls and ceilings were necessary adjuncts
to this method of lighting the interior. In order to
get the proper intensity of light for the requirements
on each floor, careful study was necessary to deter-
Mft-ST FLOOR- PLAN
MtlZANIMt • FLOOR,- PLAN
The problem of ventilating and
lighting these floors becomes
apparent at a glance
mine the size and number of lights, the spacing and
the Height from the floor. In this the architects
were unusually successful. When this form of light-
ing is properly designed and installed, it is conceded
to be more effective and less trying on the eyes than
when direct lighting is employed. Such was the case
here.
The question of proper ventilation was also solved
in an interesting way. Naturally it was expected
that the space near the windows on each floor would
be partitioned off for private offices. This would
leave 75 feet of inner space that would present a
ventilating problem just as important as the lighting
problem. The doors of the private offices could be
INTERIOR VIEW OF OFFICES
152
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
expected to be closed most of the time and there
were no windows or openings in the side walls.
The solution lay in running ducts under each floor
and through the wall, terminating at the face of the
street wall in louvres. At the intake on each floor
was placed a heating coil so that warm fresh air
from the street could be by-passed under the private
offices and drawn into the interior of the building.
In the ceiling and in the corner diagonally oppo-
site the intake there was located a vent to exhaust
the stale air. In this way there was always a con-
tinuous supply of fresh air at the right temperature
in the center of each floor as well as at the ends.
The louvres covering the street end of the ducts may
be seen in the photograph of the remodeled building
at each floor level.
The picture of the top floor is a story in itself.
SAW-TOOTH ROOF WHICH REPLACED OLD
SKYLIGHTS
This gave a north light over the entire floor
The floor was intended as a watch and jewelry
assembling shop and the lighting requirements for
watchmakers are of prime importance. This roof
was entirely torn down and replaced by a modern
saw-tooth roof, giving a north light in the interior.
On dark days additional light is obtained by turning
on the electric lights which are shown inclined up-
ward. This light is reflected upon the floor by the
reverse surface of the saw-tooth.
The walls are white to within 5 feet from the
floor. From there down they are green for the com-
fort of the watchmakers' eyes. Individual drop cords
are located at each bench for use on very dark days
and when working on exceedingly fine work. The
neat arrangement of condulets carrying the wire for
these lights avoids the usual tangled and confused
appearance of a lot of wires running haphazard in
INTERIOR TOP FLOOR SHOWING EXCELLENT
LIGHTING
Note heating coils above
the air. Each condulet terminates sufficiently high
above the bench to allow flexibility in moving the
light about by means of the drop cord.
The lighting scheme on this floor in particular has
been very successful and shows the results of care-
ful thought and study of the needs of the men.
After the remodeling of the building there was little
difficulty in securing the best workmen. First-class
men are apt to choose their working place with a
view to their surroundings and working conditions.
The new shop attracts high-grade men and the em-
ployer always has his pick of the best. He attributes
this to the improved working conditions. A watch-
INTERIOR SECOND FLOOR
Note the effect of indirect light and white walls and ceiling
153
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
THE MEZZANINE BALCONY ON THE MAIN
FLOOR
THE MAIN ENTRANCE AND ELEVATOR AT THE
RIGHT
maker's eyes are his stock in trade. When he injures
them, there is not much left for him to do. The work-
men realize this and value accordingly good con-
ditions of lighting where they can carry on their
trade. This makes selection of the best practicable.
The welfare of the employees is cared for by
providing ample locker, toilet and washrooms,
sufficient light, heat and ventilation, and safety from
fire hazards. The owner felt very strongly that
these facilities should be made ample and convenient.
The operation of this building has practically
demonstrated the many contemplated economies of
operation which were discussed during its planning.
Logical, clean-cut and efficient methods of planning
have proved their merit. The building is interesting
in its fitness for the purpose; effective protection
and good conditions for those using it.
There are literally thousands of loft buildings
in large cities where the top floor is the least de-
sirable space in the building. In these cases the
alteration of the roof along these lines to admit the
north light, and plenty of it/would greatly increase
the desirability and rental value. These floors would
always'be in demand for studios, drafting rooms,
watchmakers' shops and all classes of trade where
light of the right kind and intensity is of great
importance.
This job in Maiden Lane was handled by the firm
of Charles H. Higgins, architects and engineers, New
York City. Every detail shows the careful thought of
the trained specialist in making wrong things right,
and adapting existing conditions to the special re-
quirements of a particular job. It shows the value
of the trained architect and engineer even on a small
job like the alteration of a loft building.
Making the Crane Safe*
CRANES of the earlier types were constructed
with overhung wheels, i. e., the wheels were
entirely outside of the bridge frame, and no part
of the bridge extended over the rails. The manu-
facture of cranes of this type has been discontinued
for the most part, but some examples are still met
with in practice. This method of construction has
been responsible for a number of serious accidents
because, if a shaft 'or axle breaks, the crane may fall
to the ground. A break of this kind may be due to
a flaw in the metal, or to "fatigue" of the material.
ANGLE BAR PREVENTS FALLING OF CRANE
The sketch shows a method which has proved
satisfactory and practicable for providing against
similar accidents with cranes of this type. Pieces
of 4-in. angle-iron are bolted to the ends of the main
frame at a distance of approximately one inch above
the rails. These angles project out over the rails so
that if the shaft breaks the crane will drop only the
distance between the angles and the rails. In at least
one known case a bridge wheel came off from a
crane on which these braces had been installed, and
the angles prevented the crane from falling.
•Extract from the Travelers Standard, January, 1921.
154
New Basis for Rating and Comparing
Warm-Air Furnaces
Discussion of Recent Results in Warm-Air Furnace Research Work at the
University of Illinois
By A. C. WILLARD*
ONE of the principal objects of the cooperative
research program of the National Warm
Air Heating and Ventilating Association
has been the development of a method of rating and
comparing two or more warm-air furnaces over a
wide range of operating conditions. The research
staff has given this matter much thought, in the at-
tempt to get a comprehensive method of expressing
the capacity, efficiency and other characteristics of
a furnace over its complete range of operation.
With positive and accurate means of measuring the
amount of air handled and determining the correct
rise in air temperature, it is now possible to study
the performance of a warm-air furnace with definite-
ness.
Recent tests under the immediate supervision of
Professor A. P. Kratz and Mr. V. S. Day of the
Engineering Experiment Station of the University
of Illinois show that it is entirely feasible to rep-
resent this data for any given furnace by a series
of simple curves which tell the whole story of
furnace operation almost at a glance. With this
information before him, the engineer, heating con-
tractor, or architect can not only compare warm-
air furnaces of different types and makes, but he
can also compare a given warm-air furnace with
a steam-heating boiler or a hot-water heater.
INFORMATION NEVER OBTAINED BEFORE
Such information as this has long been desired,
but has never before been obtainable. It represents,
probably, the most important single result of the
Warm-Air Furnace Research Investigation. It
means that the warm-air furnace manufacturer will
be able to publish as definite engineering data con-
cerning his equipment as any maker of steam or hot-
water heating boilers can possibly issue in these
closely allied fields. In fact, very few makers of
steam and hot-water heating equipment possess such
complete data as is represented by these results. As
a result of such tests as those shown here, the per-
formance curves of a warm-air furnace can be
drawn as definitely as the so-called "characteristic
•Professor Heating and Ventilation and Head of Department of
Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois.
curves" of an electric motor, steam engine, steam
turbine or pump.
Typical results in the shape of performance curves
(Fig. 1) are given for one series of recent tests
on a pipeless furnace. Since the final data from any
portion of this research work is not released by the
University of Illinois and the National Warm Air
Heating and Ventilating Association until it is pub-
lished as a Bulletin of the Engineering Experi-
ment Station, the dimensions and description of the
furnace have been withheld. Complete data will,
however, be reported at the annual meeting of the
association. It is sufficient to say the curves are
based on actual tests of commercial apparatus, and
are used in this discussion to illustrate a new method
of testing, rating and comparing warm-air furnaces
for the benefit and information of the furnace in-
dustry as a whole.
FACTORS DETERMINED BY TEST
The tests on which these curves are based were
all run on the same pipeless furnace to determine
the following factors, all of which are essential to
the proper design and installation of a furnace (pipe-
less or piped). 4
(a) Rate of combustion (pounds of coal burned
per sq. ft. of grate per hour).
(b) Efficiency of the furnace (ratio of heat
put into air passing furnace to total heat value
of coal burned, usually expressed as a percentage).
(c) Capacity of furnace in B.t.u. per hour.
(British thermal units), which is the heat put
into air passing furnace.
(d) Equivalent register temperature of air
leaving register based upon a 65°F. inlet tem-
perature. To get actual rise in temperature it is
only necessary to subtract 65 from these tem-
perature values.
(e) The draft at the smoke outlet of the fur-
nace in inches of water, which indicates the great
importance of providing a satisfactory chimney
if the full capacity of the furnace is to be real-
ized. It also shows that capacity is entirely de-
pendent on draft for a given furnace and a given
coal.
155
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
In addition to the above factors, much additional
data, such as CO'- content and flue gas temperature,
was determined, but as it is not introduced into this
discussion it has been omitted from this list of
factors.
An inspection of Fig. 1 will show that the per-
formance of the furnace tested is completely shown
for all combustion rates between 4.5 Ib. and 10 Ib.
per sq. ft. of grate per hr. The combustion rates
are indicated along the horizontal line at the bottom
of the figure. Five tests were run at five different
by reading to the right or left as indicated by the
arrows, the following rating and performance data
is obtained.
1. Efficiency = 64 per cent.
2. Heating capacity = 120,000 B.t.u. per hr.
3. Equivalent outlet register temperature
202 °F.
4. Draft in inches of water = 0.085.
5. Rate of combustion == 5.6 Ib. per sq. ft. of
grate per hr.
The heating capacity just found (120,000 B.t.u.
t
20^ I&OOOG
.15 1 170000
JO £ I6OOOO
.05Q 150000
65 I4OOOO
60 ^ 130000
1
55^.120000
s
50^ I/OOOO
$
45 <$>IOOOOC
1
TYPK
5ho*
Pat«.
(
(
:AL PERFORMANCE C
vinq Relation Betwet
' and :
7) Efficiency- Percent
'e) Heating Capac/ty-8.1
3) Equivalent Register
2) Draff -Inches Wafei
CURVES FOi
!/? Combus
'u perttr /x
Temperafu,
? PIPE LESS rURNACE.
tion
// into Air
(
<~e
~J&^
^*)—
vB PS; Cy {> N> t\> f\>
n O c%. (\» u . % ui
0 0 ° 0 0 0 0
Equivalent Outlet Register Temperature
Based on 65° Inlet Temperature
k '
£
^.'
~*~'
r^
^T
5
•»x
^ .
-« — -s
f
<*
^
J?
,^~~
1
**
-*
-j
/
/
£r"
is
£
^
,
f=
/>
^
^
--''
3.
3
/
<
\ ^r
r
,''
^^
^
s
9
£
/^
*— T^^
i
^
VT
'/
\
<0
/
//
\
3 4 5 & 789/0
Combustion Rate - Lb. Coat Burned per Sq. Ft Grate per fir.
rates of combustion and the results from each test
plotted against the corresponding combustion rate
at the bottom of the chart. It was then found pos-
sible to draw smooth curves through these points
and these curves have been numbered and labeled
as:
1. Efficiency in per cent.
2. Heating capacity in B.t.u. per hr.
3. Equivalent outlet register temperature based
on a 65° inlet temperature.
4. Draft in inches of water at smoke outlet.
After the curves are drawn, it is a simple matter
to ascertain under what conditions this furnace will
develop its maximum efficiency. To do this, draw
a vertical line (shown dot and dash in figure)
through the highest point of the efficiency curve
(1). This line will cut all the other curves, as
well as the combustion rate axis at the bottom, and
per hr.) is not the maximum capacity of this furnace
by any means, but it is the capacity at maximum
efficiency. The heating capacity of this same furnace
can be increased nearly 50 per cent, if the chimney
draft can be approximately doubled. By increas-
ing the draft to 0.18 inches it is possible to burn
coal at the rate of 9 Ib. per sq. ft. of grate and the
rating and performance data becomes (see vertical
dot and dash line at 9 Ib.} I
1. Efficiency =55 per cent.
2. Heating capacity = 169,000 B.t.u. per hr.
3. Equivalent outlet register temperature =
242 °F.
4. Draft in inches of water = 0.18.
5. Rate of combustion = 9 Ib. per sq. ft. of grate
per hr.
The significance of this method of showing rating
and performance data is of the greatest value in
156
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
determining upon the selection of the proper fur-
nace or in comparing two furnaces or a furnace
and a boiler. Assume the heat loss from a certain
house is 170,000 B.t.u. in the very coldest weather
which lasts for only a few hours, and that the heat
loss under average cold weather conditions which
last for many hours is only about two-thirds of this
or 113,000 B.t.u. It will be at once apparent that
this furnace will handle the average cold weather
load at very nearly its highest efficiency, which the
efficiency curve showed to be 64 per cent, at about
this same rating. This same furnace as shown by
the rating and performance curves has a heating
capacity of 169,000 B.t.u. when burning coal at a
combustion rate of 9 Ib. per sq. ft. of grate with a
draft of 0.18 inches of water. It would also, there-
fore, readily handle the severest heating load dur-
ing the winter, provided the chimney in this house
could develop a draft of 0.18 inches of water.
This furnace would, of course, be operating in
the latter case at an efficiency of only 55 per cent,
with an outlet register temperature of 242°F. as
shown by the curves at 9 pounds combustion rate.
This reduced efficiency and high register tempera-
ture is not a serious matter, however, as the very
severe conditions referred to only last a few hours.
VOLUME OF HOT AIR INCREASED
It should be noted that in the example just dis-
cussed not only has the register temperature in-
creased from 202° to 242° F., but the weight and
volume of air passing the furnace has also increased
greatly. The curves can readily be made to show
the amount of air handled, as well as the tempera-
ture of the air leaving outlet register.
If it is desired to compare this furnace with a
steam heating boiler operating at the same combus-
tion rate, it is only necessary to fix the combustion
rate in order to make the comparison. Suppose
boiler and furnace are to burn the same kind of coal
at a nine pound rate of combustion and that the draft
is satisfactory. Refer to the rating curves and take
nine pounds on the horizontal axis as the index
point. The heating capacity as already found is
169,000 B.t.u. per hr. which is equal to 169,000 -5-
250 = 680 sq. ft. of steam radiation. (Each sq. ft.
of standard steam radiation transmits 250 B.t.u. per
hr.) Now a steam boiler large enough to supply
680 sq. ft. of radiation would need to have a rating
of 25 per cent, more than this to allow for mains
and branches, or 850 sq. ft. The pipeless furnace
requires no allowances for piping connections and
the capacity curve shows practically its true heat-
ing capacity over its entire range of operation.
Recent Developments in Spray
Painting*
^ HE test samples of spray versus brush paint-
ing, conducted at the U. S. Naval Hospital in
September, 1919, and described in the pamphlet
entitled "A Study of the Practicability of Spray
Painting," were inspected during December, 1920,
after exposure for about fifteen months.
The exterior brick walls of the building had been
painted with a light buff paint, one-half of the area
being brush-coated and the other half spray-coated.
The wearing properties of the paint applied by the
two methods seem to be almost the same, both coat-
ings being in fair condition. Medium chalking had
developed and some unevenness of the yellow tint
was shown in the form of light colored spots. The
latter defect, however, is often characteristic of
paints tinted with ochre. Close inspection of the
two surfaces with a high-power magnifying glass
indicated a rather characteristic spatter effect where
the paint was applied by the spray gun, and ridgy
brush lines where the paint was applied by brush.
Inspection of the large roof area painted with red
oxide paint showed that the brush-coated and spray-
coated paints were giving equal satisfaction from the
standpoint of durability. Where the paint had been
applied with spray guns by workmen not acquainted
with the method of application excess quantities,
which were piled up in some instances, had run
together with the formation of a somewhat wrinkled
film in spots. Such films, remaining rather soft,
necessarily took up dust from the atmosphere and
became slightly darker than the areas coated with
thinner films.
Due to the fact that the spraying machine, espe-
cially in the hands of inexperienced operators, is apt
to apply a larger quantity of paint over a given area
than the hand-brush method the heavier films would,
of course, show slower drying properties. With
certain paints, therefore, which are ordinarily made
with raw linseed oil and a minimum of drier and
thinner, slow drying properties might be observed.
In such instances the use of a substantial percentage
of a rapid drying reducing oil of the varnish type
would overcome this difficulty. A small percentage
of a heavy bodied blown oil to cause "flowing out"
and thus obliterate sptay-pit marks might also be
advocated. Manufacturers of special spray paints
might take these points into consideration.
•Extract from a paper presented by Henry A. Gardner before the
Pennsylvania State Association of Master Painters. Reading, Pa.,
January, 1921.
157
Proper Size and Design for Flues
Space Requirements of Flues and Breechings. Obstructions Often Limit
Good Design.
THE proper size for breeching and flue connec-
tions is not always given sufficient attention in
the layout of a building, and the result is that
frequently the contractor installing the flues finds it
necessary to resort to all sorts of ingenious schemes
to get his equipment in, and in many cases he has to
make his flue smaller than good practice demands.
This is not a matter of guess or convenience or any-
thing of the sort. If the flue is too small it offers
too much resistance to the gases which it is sup-
posed to carry away. The result is that the gases
"back up" into the furnace and an actual pressure
is built up when there should be a vacuum. A pres-
sure in the furnace forces the intense heat into every
crack, and the result is that it does not take long to
destroy the brickwork, boiler and furnace equipment
and there is a high maintenance cost-
WHAT IS GOOD PRACTICE
It is good engineering practice to design flues so
that there will be 35 square feet in the cross section
for every rated boiler horsepower. It is important
to note that the sectional area of the flue is based
upon the builder's rating of the boiler and not upon
the actual horsepower developed. For example, a
500-horsepower boiler should have at least 17.5
square feet in the cross-sectional area of its flue
connection. If there are four such boilers, the area
in the main breeching should be 70 square feet, while
each individual connection would still contain 17.5
square feet.
These boilers may actually be designed to develop
200 per cent, or 300 per cent, of their rated capacity.
In that case, to increase the flue area is going to help
reduce the resistance and will tend to get the gases
away faster. In such cases it is desirable to increase
this area if space permits. In no case should the
area be less than stated above, even though it is
known that the boilers will be operated considerably
under rating. If the architect bases his calculations
accordingly, he is on the safe side.
SHAPES OF FLUES
A circular flue is the ideal flue because it presents
the least surface area to the gases. Due to cost of
construction and difficulty in making connections
and alterations, however, the circular flue is not
much used. Of all other shapes, the square flue
approaches nearest to the circular flue in the matter
of offering the least resistance to the flow of the
gases. It is not always possible to use a square
section, but the nearer the rectangle approaches to
the square the more ideal it is.
In cases where more than one flue connects into
the main breeching, it is good practice gradually to
increase the area of the breeching in the manner
shown in Fig. 1. The height h\ is twice h and hz is
three times h. If there are only three boilers the
height remains constant from A to the stack. The
width of the breeching should remain the same.
BOILCRNo.2
Fie.i
SOILERNo.3
FIG.Z ^BOILEffNo.1
PROPORTIONS AND ALLOWANCE FOR FLUES
Another important matter is that in proceeding
from the boiler to the stack no point of the breech-
ing or flues should be at a lower elevation than any
preceding point. There should be no downward
flow of the gas. Sometimes it is difficult to get
around obstructions in existing buildings without
doing so. In new" buildings this point should be
borne in mind, as well as the fact that obstructions
should not be so placed that it will be necessary to
construct the flue area in one point or to flatten the
flue in any marked degree or to change the sectional
shape merely for the sake of getting around these
obstacles. All these things only add to the resist-
ance and either make necessary higher stack and
induced draft equipment or result in furnace pres-
sures.
ALLOWANCE SHOULD BE MADE FOR INSULATION
In figuring allowances for flues in cramped quar-
ters it must be remembered that the flues themselves
must be insulated after erection. It is customary to
leave an air space of at least one inch between the
steel of the flue and the insulating material. This
is generally done by wrapping the flue with chicken
wire or some such material to hold the asbestos and
separating the wire from the flue by inserting dis-
tance pieces. The asbestos is then applied to an
additional thickness of 1^ to 2 inches, depending
upon the conditions. To the width of flue, there-
fore, there should be added 5 to 6 inches to deter-
mine the overall clearance width of the flue. The
same applies to the depth.
158
Current News
Happenings and Comments in the Field of Architecture
and the Allied Arts
High Bridge Has Been Saved
Through the untiring efforts of Mr. Arnold Brun-
ner, representing the New York Chapter of the
American Institute of Architects, and Col. Wm. J.
Wilgus, representing New York engineers, High
Bridge is not to be destroyed. As the result of their
extended addresses before the Board of Estimate
and Apportionment, it has been finally decided to
preserve this structure and the alterations proposed
will not mar its beauty. For the first time in that
body, a vote of thanks was extended to the speakers
for their work toward this end.
American Academy in Rome
The annual Fellowship in architecture, of the
value of $1,000 a year for three years, is to be
awarded by the American Academy in Rome, sub-
ject to the usual conditions. All persons desiring
to compete for a Fellowship must fill in an applica-
tion to be obtained from the secretary, Roscoe
Guernsey, 101 Park avenue, New York. This appli-
cation must be filed, with letters of reference and
other information, not later than March 1.
The competition is open to unmarried men, citi-
zens of the United States, who comply with the Reg
ulations of the Academy. These and all necessary
details may be learned from the secretary.
a number of visiting architects and engineers, at-
tracted by an interesting and important lecture on .
"Recent Developments in Concrete," by Lt. Col.
Boyden. The lecturer brought out instructive and
startling facts as to the hitherto neglected impor-
tance of the proper proportion of water in mixing
concrete. Thousands of experiments prove the fact
that a small quantity of water in excess of the proper
proportion will reduce the strength of concrete al-
most fifty per cent.
A discussion was had on the proposal before the
Board of Standards and Appeals to amend the
plumbing rules so as to permit the use of "standard"
cast iron pipes, instead of extra heavy pipes. Unani-
mous disapproval was voiced by the meeting against
the proposed change in the plumbing rules, and a
resolution was passed to that effect.
Two new members were elected and two proposed
for membership.
Announcement from N. C. A. R.
Boards
Architects intere ted in reciprocal transfer can
obtain information with reference thereto by ad-
dressing the National Council of Architectural
Registration Boards, 3230 West Monroe Street,
Chicago.
Chicago Architectural Exhibit Nebraska Chapter Elects Officers
Announcement is made that the Thirty-fourth An-
nual Chicago Architectural Exhibition will be held
at the Art Institute of Chicago, March 8th to April
5th. This year the exhibition is held in conjunction
with the Applied Arts and National Farm and Gar-
den Associations. It is given jointly, as previously,
by the Chicago Architectural Club, the Illinois
Society of Architects, the Illinois Chapter of the
American Institute and the Art Institute of Chicago.
The chairman of the exhibition committee is John
A. Holabird, while Paul S. Esser is secretary and
Hubert Burnham, treasurer.
New York Society of Architects
This Society held its usual monthly meeting at
the United Engineering Societies Building, West
39th Street, on Tuesday, the 18th inst. There was
a large attendance of members present, together with
H. W. Meginnis, of Lincoln, was elected presi-
dent of the Nebraska Chapter of the American In-
stitute of Architects at the third annual meeting of
that body in the University Club.
C. W. Steinbaugh, of Omaha, was elected vice-
president, and J. D. Sandham. also of Omaha, was
re-elected secretary and treasurer. G. B. Prinz was
elected a new member of the executive committee.
Alan McDonald, retiring president, was toastmas-
ter at the dinner at the University Club. Guests of
honor were: Governor McKelvie, William L. Steel,
of Sioux City; George W. Bates, Lincoln, city engi-
neer; Charles Battelle, Omaha; V. Ray Gould,
Omaha, contractor; Charles F. Harrison, Clark E.
Mickey and Dr. J. E. Summers, all of Omaha.
The new registration law, now before the State
Senate, which provides for the establishment of two
boards of examiners, one for engineers and one for
159
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
architects, was a main topic of discussion at the af-
ternoon session. Architects generally favor the bill.
An exhibition of four typical small house plans
was also a feature of the meeting. The exhibition
was made with the idea of formulating a method
which will permit good-looking houses to be built
more economically.
Roosevelt Memorial to Surpass All
Others
To erect the finest memorial erected in America is
the aim of the Roosevelt Memorial Association. The
Roosevelt memorial will be erected in Washington.
Its form is being debated.
But as a work of art and architecture it is in-
tended to make it surpass even the Washington mon-
ument and the Lincoln memorial, recent reports
announce.
International Congress of Cities in
Paris
Paris has been chosen, at a recent meeting of the
Union Internationale des Villes, as the next meeting
place, in 1922, of the International Congress of
Cities. The last congress was held at Ghent in 1913,
and proved very stimulating to municipal, official
and civic reform organizations the world over. A
special effort will be made to secure attendance of
representatives from all national associations for
civic betterment.
World's Fair in Philadelphia
A committee of 100 has been named to have charge
of arrangements for and financing of the proposed
exposition to be held in Philadelphia in 1926, to cele-
brate the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the
signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Mayor Moore was named active chairman and
John Wanamaker, who served on the centennial com-
mittee of 1876, honorary chairman. Alba B. John-
son, president of the Chamber of Commerce, is vice-
chairman.
An inspiring and comprehensive plan by Dr. Paul
P. Cret for the arrangement of a site has been sub-
mitted to about 400 representative citizens and re-
ceived with enthusiasm.
The plan was presented and explained at the forty-
ninth annual meeting of the Fairmount Park Art
Association by Andrew Wright Crawford, secretary
of the art jury.
Dr. Cret, noted French architect, who is professor
of design in the school of architecture of the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania and who has been promi-
nently identified with city improvement activities
several years, proposes that the Parkway and both
the east and west banks of the Schuylkill be utilized
as grounds for the international exhibition.
Mr. Crawford, who outlined the plan in an ad-
dress on "World's Fairs and Their City Planning
Salvage," said Dr. Cret's suggestion to use the
Schuylkill embankments, beautified and connected by
ornamental bridges, was "astonishing because it could
be carried out so easily."
Details of the project will appear in a future issue
of THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT as they are developed.
Co-operative Housing and Garden
City League Formed
Lender the name of the Co-operative Housing and
Garden City League of America, a new society has
been formed, with the landscape architect Robert
Anderson Pope as chairman, to promote co-operative
housing and to create for this purpose a loan fund
to be applied to the investigation of the advisability
of acquiring basic sources of essential building ma-
terials, their means of production and distribution,
and if more capital becomes available, to the con-
struction of model housing estates.
Jersey City Planning
Jersey City has completed within the last few
weeks an organization to plan for the future develop-
ment of the city. The mayor has appointed a com-
mission of five t'o which the Chamber of Commerce
has added four of its members. They will co-oper-
ate with a number of city officials appointed for this
purpose on a joint City Development Plan Commis-
sion. The program embraces development of through
streets and highways, civic centers, parks, play-
grounds, tunnel routes, a housing system and a high
speed motor vehicle belt road. The City Commis-
sion, by resolution, endorsed the plan and appropri-
ated the money needed for investigations and other
preparatory work by the city engineers.
Jersey City Building Active
Houses for two hundred families will be built by
a corporation authorized a few weeks ago by the
Jersey City Chamber of Commerce and financed by
business men of that city. The new houses will be
of the so-called Philadelphia plan of five-room
double-houses, with two families to each side. It is
expected that costs will be reduced 25 per cent by
the simultaneous construction of fifty such two-
family houses. Each two-family house when com-
pleted will be sold separately at about $10,000, with
a first payment of $2,500 and monthly installments
of $98, including taxes, water rent and insurance.
160
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
The first mortgage of $7,000 will be placed by the
corporation. As the estimated shortage of homes
in Jersey City is over 1,400, this project is not ex-
pected to discourage private construction.
Inter-State Bridge
One of the greatest projects of its kind in New
England, according to the Portland Express, is
about to be started. This is the magnificent Maine
and New Hampshire Memorial bridge to be erected
over the Piscataqua river between Portsmouth,
N. H., and Kittery, Me. Estimated to cost over two
million dollars, it will completely outshadow the
famous local Portland Bridge, which reached the
million mark but which could not be duplicated today
for a very much larger sum.
While the cost of the new structure is to be
divided equally among the two States and the Fed-
eral Government, the major portion of the benefit
to be derived from it is to be received by Maine.
The great local advantage, however, is to go to Ports-
mouth. The bridge is to form a remarkable gate-
way into the Pine Tree State, through which will
pour at least 75 per cent, of the automobile tourist
traffic.
The great local benefit received by Portsmouth will
be the fact that it will form a free means of access
for the towns of Maine, in its vicinity, into the New
Hampshire metropolis to trade.
Balsa Wood Lighter Than Cork,
Durable as Cedar
Balsa wood, growing notably in Costa Rica and
Ecuador, is the lightest wood known, weighing only
7.3 pounds to the cubic foot. Cork weighs 13.7
pounds. Growing more rapidly than almost any other
known tree, it is said that within four years a balsa
tree will attain the height of 30 feet, with a diameter
of ten inches. It is as durable as cedar.
The wood is white, extremely straight grained and
easy to work. It is soft when green, but seems to
harden later. It is used extensively for making life
rafts and life preservers, anl it is thought that it will
eventually constitute a valuable source of pulp wood.
A brown-colored cotton-wool, commonly used for
stuffing pillows and mattresses, is also produced.
It is believed that the tree would flourish in Florida
and because of its rapid growth would spread easily
over the southern part of the state.
Billboard Nuisance in Massachusetts
At a cost of millions, says the Boston Globe,
Massachusetts, has built a system of magnificent park
boulevards and highways from the Atlantic Coast to
the Mohawk Trail. "No sooner do these roads bring
the splendors of our landscape within reach of the
eye (and we are no worse sinners in this respect
than our sister states) than we allow them to be
defiled at every turn by glaring atrocities which urge
us to invest in this brand of tooth paste and that
brand of chewing gum." The Women's Municipal
League of the City of New York, which quotes this
and other evidence of the continued existence of the
billboard evil, is endeavoring to check the abuse.
Niagara Power
From Niagara River only 26 per cent of the total
flow is diverted for generating electricity, and en-
gineers say that 60 per cent could be diverted with-
out marring the scenic beauty of the falls, hence
it is asserted that "millions of horsepower are go-
ing to waste." A treaty with Great Britain limits
the amount of power that can be developed at
present.
Puppets in Egyptian Tomb Show
Ancient Conditions
Innumerable puppets, representing the household
retainers of Mehenkwetre, a great Egyptian dignitary
of 2000 B. C., taken from a concealed chamber of
his tomb and illustrating in detail the life of the
people of that time, have just been put on exhibi-
tion at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They
were excavated by the Museum's Egyptian expedi-
tion at Thebes and are considered one of the most
important of. recent discoveries.
The puppets, who are shown performing dif-
ferent household arts and duties in the fields and
on the water, are funerary models and form the
most complete set ever excavated.
Mehenkwetre was a chancellor and steward of
the royal palace in the reign of King Mentuhotep
III., and his tomb was located in the choicest spot
in the necropolis of his day, overlooking the mor-
tuary temple of the sovereign.
The tomb had been plundered several hundred
years after the interment of the. dignitary whose
body it contained, but neither those early nor later
visitors discovered the hidden chamber which the
museum excavators found intact. To facilitate the
carrying on in another world of the pleasures
which the great man had enjoyed on earth prac-
tically every occupation which ministered to his
comfort had been reproduced with these miniature
servitors, that he might enjoy them in the new life
he was entering.
The puppets seem to be inhabitants of a doll
world, but they actually reproduce the life of the
early Egyptians and, from the fullness of the de-
tails, they throw light upon many interesting points
not previously understood.
161
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Circulating of Pictures
Circulation of pictures, on a plan similar to that
followed in the circulation of books by public libra-
ries, has for some time been carried on to a small
extent in Boston. New York, and possibly other
cities. The Brooklyn Y. W. C. A. has recently
started such a circulating library for reproductions
of the best pictures, which are lent for two weeks or
a month. Each picture is accompanied by a brief
account of the artist's life, data about the school and
l>eriod of art and the significance of the particular
work. The next step, apparently not contemplated
in this case, but adopted elsewhere, is that of en-
abling borrowers to buy at a modest price pictures
which especially appeal to them.
U. S. Is Wearing Away
An average of 95 tons of soil, pebbles, and loose
rock is carried by the rivers into the ocean every
year from every square mile of the United States,
according to the United States Geological Survey,
Department of the Interior. The immensity of this
contribution may be better comprehended when it
is realized that the surface of the United States
covers 3,088,500 square miles.
Old Paris City Walls to Be Used for
War Area Homes
The inner walls of Paris, relics of the city's de-
fenses in the old baronial days, are going to make
buildings in war devastated areas of France. Where
they stood, Paris will have its first model playground,
in the Pagnolet quarter, laid out on American lines
by the Junior Red Cross. Announcement by the
Red Cross said twenty miles of good building stone
had been saved from leveling the old fifty-foot
defenses bordering the Paris moat.
Conspicuous Automatic Doorsill
Permits Exit Only
To enforce the one-way traffic rule through the
establishment, the management of a large garage has
installed an automatic doorsill across the exit. The
device is made of heavy steel and is hinged and
counterweighted in such a way that, normally, the
edge toward the street is held several inches above
the drive level. This presents an obstruction which
cannot fail to challenge the attention of an approach-
ing driver. To a car advancing from the street side,
the obstruction is very real. Immediately the wheels
of an outgoing car bear upon the sill, the apparently
formidable bump becomes a smooth, level path, the
heavy threshold sinking into a recess in the drive-
way. A conspicuous decorative scheme and the
admonitions to use the entrance and also to cross
the sill in low gear have the desired effects of pre-
venting movement against the direction of traffic and
of making cars leave the building at a safe rate of
speed.
Borglum to Carve Army on Mountain
Gutzon Borglum has taken up again his plans for
carving a vast memorial to the Confederacy on the
face of Stone Mountain, a great granite monolith
just outside Atlanta, according to a recent announce-
ment.
Nothing so stupendous as the Stone Mountain
undertaking has ever been planned in art. Stone
Mountain is a solid block of granite, the northern
side of which is a sheer cliff nearly 1,000 feet high
and 1,500 feet wide. That perpendicular surface,
is was explained, is without seams and even enough
to offer a vast natural canvas for the sculptor's chisel.
The memorial will take the form of a big army,
composed of more than one thousand figures of
southern leaders, marching across the face of this
cliff. Mr. Borglum, it was stated, will cut the figures
in heroic proportions, forty or fifty feet in height,
so that they can be recognized for four or five miles.
The principal figures will stand out in complete re-
lief, while other figures will be scaled clown through
various stages of relief to mere chisel sketches on
the surface of the stone, thus giving the appearance
of an army fading into the heart of the mountain.
Mr. Borglum plans to retain a large number of
artists under his supervision. The artists will work
upon the face of the cliff from steel cages swung on
cables down the side of the mountain.
Mr. Borglum estimates that it will take about
eight years to finish the work, at a cost of several
million dollars.
Personal
Mr. Gerald Joseph O'Reilly, Room 11, Hippo-
drome Bldg., Miami Florida, is desirous of receiving
manufacturers catalogs, specifications and price lists
to complete his files.
Damon, O'Meara & Hills, Architects are now op-
erating offices in Suite 1123-1124 Merchants Na-
tional Bank Building, Saint Paul, Minn., and at 19
East Mason Building, Fort Dodge, Iowa. The Saint
Paul office would like to receive literature.
T. Beverly Keim, Jr., architect, has moved from
room 202 to room 716 Haas Bldg., Los Angeles, Cal.
A. E. Sedgwick and N. W. Alpaugh, architects,
have moved their offices to Suite 506, Garland Bldg.,
Los Angeles, Cal.
162
Weekly Review of the Construction Field
With Reports of Special Correspondents in Regional Centers
A STUDY OF PRICES*
By
EDMUND D. FISHER
(Vice President, Bank of Detroit)
PART III
[Refer to page 107, issue of January 26.]
An old English document states that in 1314
"Complaints to the King that the market of Ox-
ford ran unreasonably high, so that poor scholars
could hardly live, so the King sent down his Man-
date to regulate this affair." An attempt was then
made to establish the following price schedule,
which is interesting in view of present costs :
1. s. d.
A stalled, or corn-fed ox.
A grass-fed ox
A fat stalled cow
An ordinary cow
A fat mutton, unshorn
A fat mutton, shorn
A fat hog, of two years old.
.01
.00
.00
.00
.00
.00
.00
A fat goose, in the city, 3d, but every-
where else 00
A fat capon, in the city, 2yZd, elsewhere.OO
A fat hen, in the city, l/4d, elsewhere. .00
2 chickens, in the city, Ij4d, elsewhere. .00
I pigeons (in the city but 3 pigeons).. 00
24 eggs 00
S.
04
16
12
10
01
01
03
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
08
02
04
02%
02
01
01
01
01
This comment is made in the article in question :
"Things could not be purchased at these rates, for
people would not bring them to the market (and
that is a thing that Parliaments cannot remedy),
and so the King was fain to revoke the former
act, and leave the people to sell as they could (for
a trade will do as it can, and never be forced, one
way or the other)."
READJUSTMENT should contemplate_a rea-
sonable profit, and prices should bear a proper
relation within the season to the preceding season's
or preceding year's price schedules. An economic
commission might very happily analyze the entire
subject, and, for what it is worth, publish what
would seem to be a proportionate basis of prices
from year to year within the economic period in-
volved. In correlation with this, the government
should develop a comprehensive plan of taxation
fairly distributed and provide for a stated reduc-
tion of the national debt over a sufficiently long
period of years. This would at least serve as a
guide to the business world, and tend to prevent
the business difficulties which are sometimes de-
veloped by the discussion or operation of unsound
legislation.
'Copyrighted, 1920, by Edmund D. Fisher.
It is comforting to realize that a period of de-
flation, based upon average experience, is a period
of growing wealth. Take a characteristic period
of deflation in England experienced from 1874 to
1896 (a gold movement). During this period the
average of wholesale commodity prices fell 40 per
cent. It was a period of increase in production the
world over, and of growing wealth, in which Eng-
land, of course, shared. It was a period of grad-
ual increase in wages, although the greatest benefit
to the wage earner came from the reduction in
prices. An English economist states : "Looking at
this period as a whole, there seems to be no evi-
dence that employment was any less regular than
in preceding periods."
A composite judgment based upon the thought
of authoritative writers and speakers on the sub-
ject of "What is necessary to bring about the or-
derly decline in prices," may be stated as follows :
1. That bank credit for legitimate business be not
unduly restricted.
2. That the public writings and speeches of influ-
ential men be directed toward the upbuilding
of business morale by spreading the gospel of
confidence in our own economic strength,
which must be supported, however, by normal
production.
3. That the maintenance of a fair volume of ex-
port trade will tend to stabilize prices, and
through the helpfulness it will give to the up-
building of stricken nations, will react favor-
ably on the United States.
4. That as much stress as possible be laid on the
argument that a small profit on a normal pro-
duction is better than a large profit on a cur-
tailed output.
5. That manufacturers and merchants in a strong
financial position should place reasonable or-
ders to encourage trade during depressed pe-
riods.
6. That a consistent advertising policy is neces-
sary to stimulate the buying public.
7. That at the present time a revision of our tax
laws is necessary to normalize business and
investment relations.
After all, and in conclusion, an orderly decline
in prices is largely dependent upon the attitude of
the credit men and the credit grantors of the coun-
try. An analysis of credit statements during the
period of deflation will undoubtedly many times
show a status of depreciated inventories and limited
liquid assets. Forced liquidation, however, would
tend to a disorderly decline and abnormally low
prices. While a consistent reduction in prices is
desirable, it is quite undesirable to have a greater
reduction than is logical for a proper relation to
the basic economic conditions. For stability, we
must have full employment, continuity of spend-
163
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
ing power, and reasonable prices. The credit man,
therefore, must, when possible, permit the element
of time and the principle of helpfulness to cure
some of the business difficulties brought to his at-
tention.
A knowledge of the principles of prices is most
important in credit granting, as the movements of
prices, as has been pointed out, directly affect
credit conditions. The inventory is usually the
most important factor in the commercial state-
ment, and a radical change in value may mean
much added wealth or ultimate insolvency. A most
important factor to remember in a period of defla-
tion is that while the value of the inventory may
shrink and the surplus be reduced, the cause which
brings this about — the decline in prices — is also
increasing the value of each individual dollar.
What is apparently a reduced surplus may and
probably will indicate a greater wealth than the
swollen surplus that previously floated on the froth
of the tossing waves of inflation.
(THE END)
(Any architect desiring this address in full, printed attractively in
booklet form, may obtain it by writing the editor of this journal.)
Next Week: "The Architect's Relation to Price Declines"
(Special Correspondence to THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT)
SEATTLE. — There was some slight unsettlement
of the steel market during the week on the
impression of jobbers that the steel corporation
prices, especially in sheets, may show further
declines. What these reductions will be if any
will depend on how badly the outside mills need
tonnage. This situation is just the reverse of what
it was during the last two quarters of 1920. It
would appear from the way jobbers feel that the
independent mills are masters of the situation.
Jobbers report ample warehouse stocks of roof-
ing, sheets, cement, plaster and plaster wall board.
The situation seems to radiate around March, which
it is thought will more clearly disclose the construc-
tion tendency of the Pacific Coast territory than
any other month. There is a growing belief
among both the metal and lumber interests that
construction will start around the first week in
March. It is thought that by that time builders will
have concluded that materials are at their bedrock
levels and that to wait longer would be to endanger
the possibilities of prompt delivery.
It is the feeling of jobbers that basic costs must
be hurried forward if the building year is to be
propitious and business is to settle to the point
where building-up can begin. Jobbers in pipe, sheet
metal, plumbing supplies and metal furnishings
insist that as fast as their costs are dropped they
pass the advantage on to the trade, but that the
trade is not responding in kind. Unless some speed
is shown in giving investors this advantage as it
occurs it is predicted that retailers will suffer
in finance. Small losses can be taken now more
readily than large ones in March or April, and few
communications pass that do not contain some
reminder to retailers to speed up recessions in order
that building projects may be pushed beyond the
pencil sketch stage.
Doyle & Merriam, architects and engineers of
Seattle, have opened bids for demolishing the
Boston block, four stories in height, to make space
for the new exclusive banking quarters of the Seat-
tle National Bank. Work is to begin March 1.
This is the first of three exclusive banking struc-
ture? to be erected in the permanent financial dis-
trict on Second avenue south of Spring street with-
in the next two years. The Union National will
involve an outlay of $1,000,000.
Approximately 46 per cent, of the fir lumber
mills in what is known as the West Coast Forest
products territory have resumed operations since
the holidays. Log and labor overhead have
decreased 15 to 25 per cent., and logging contractors
seem to have run afoul of each other as to what
constitutes the actual market. The result is bene-
ficial to the mills that have no timber of their own
but must buy on the open log market from time to
time according to their needs.
Eastern building is quiet, according to lumber
orders received from east of the Missouri river.
Retail yards, who represent the wishes of builders
in their respective communities are inclined to
believe there will be further price recession. This
position may be well taken, but the mills expect a
rush of orders with early spring and buyers will
be taking their own chances in delay. It is not
believed that prices could fall any appreciable
extent, as the mills will not sell on the market as it
stands today.
(Special Correspondence to THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT)
CHICAGO. — Chicago's building boom which
'oomed so brightly on the immediate horizon a few
weeks ago is beginning to assume some of the char-
acteristics of a desert mirage and is growing less tan-
gible as it is more closely approached. With mild
February weather giving hint of early spring condi-
tions, when building might be starting somewhat
ahead of the usual frost-out-of-the-ground period,
there is a tendency on the part of those connected
with the building industry to complain at the appar-
ent lack of building activity.
Architects say that there is comparatively little
work on the boards just now, although there is
considerable inquiry and a great deal of tentative
figuring. Contractors report the same state of
164
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
public mind and even the lumber and materials
men indicate that spring business has thus far
failed to transcend the inquiry stage.
The reason back of it all is manifold, but mainl)
it is due to the state of uncertainty and expectancy
which a falling market has built up in the public
mind. With the daily newspapers giving prom-
inence to every downward slant, a mass psychology
has been created, which expects a much deeper
plunge of the toboggan back toward economic
readjustment. This watchful waiting is manifested
by the disposition on the part of those whose minds
are made up to building activity, to wait and see
just what the situation will really come to
in the end.
Another complex in the situation is the failure
of finance to come to the rescue except at high rates
and unusual commissions.
Just what the outcome of all this is to be is a
problem that is puzzling a great many people in
the Chicago building industries, architects, con-
tractors, materials and lumber manufacturers and
all the rest.
Optimistic leaders believe that the situation can
very well turn from bearish to bullish in the span
of a week or so and that hectic activity can very
easily relieve the present dullness almost over-
night. The fact that the building shortage is so
acute and the pay-me spirit of the average flat-
owning landlord so apparent is looked upon as a
goad that cannot fail to encourage building, partic-
ularly in residential and apartment buildings, once
the complicated conditions now prevalent are even
slightly cleared up.
Once building is fairly started it is felt by many
that there will be a rush that will be reminiscent
of boom days of the past. It is the initial impetus,
however, that is now lacking.
As far as Chicago is concerned there are signs
here and there that the tie-up is beginning to
crumble.
One of the signs of better times ahead is a recent
building permit for a million dollar apartment
building. This is to be a nine-story structure to
be erected in the Rogers Park district by G. M.
Posner, of G. M. Posner & Co., builders. Work is
to be started on the building at once.
There were twelve other permits for apartment
buildings in the January list, a significant fact inas-
much as apartment buildings have been conspicu-
ously absent from the building permit lists during
recent months.
Although apartment permits show an increase
for January, the general building situation is not
improved, according to the building permit report.
At a date well toward the close of January only
60 permits had been issued as compared with 171
in December of 1920 and 328 as compared with
January of last year.
The growing number of apartment permits is
viewed with satisfaction by Charles E. Bostrom,
building commissioner, who in his recent annual
report pointed out that Chicago needs from 75,000
to 90,000 more apartments.
In his report were figures covering building
in Chicago for a period of seven years, which is
interesting enough, perhaps, to be reproduced. The
report follows :
Year Building Permits.
1913 10,792
1914 9,938
1915 10,340
1916 10,277
1917 4,938
1918 2,529
1919 6,589
1920
3,745
Valuation
$89,668,427
83,261,710
97,291,150
112.835,150
64,244,150
34,792,200
104,198.850
79,102,650
Lack of money for building is getting more and
more to be the focus of the building apathy in
Chicago and public attention is being more centrally
directed to the solution of this stringency. The past
week has seen some three or four possible plans for
the relief of the condition.
One interesting plan has been evolved by the
Corn Exchange National Bank, which hopes to
encourage definite savings toward home building.
Briefly, the bank's plan is this :
The man who desires to own a home contracts
with himself to deposit with the bank a certain
sum each month toward a first payment. At the
very beginning of the savings and throughout the
period of home-owning thrift, the bank supplies
advice and information on building, plans, real
estate and other things that the prospective home-
owner ought to know. By the time the depositor
is ready to buy or build he is well posted on the
details of the transaction.
What is of more interest than the plan itself,
is the fact that three thousand inquiries and three
hundred new accounts were developed by the plan
within a week.
The Building Trades Council which is made up
of thirty-eight unions in the building industry is
fostering a plan to raise a bond fund of $5,000,000
to spur building. This fund is being predicated
upon a bond issue on an important business sky-
scraper which has lately been taken over by an
important co-operative investment society. Funds
from this plan are not yet available, but hope is
held out that something may be forthcoming from
this source.
Still another plan which is not lacking for pro-
ponents is a scheme to secure special legislation
165
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
which will permit the state to issue building bonds
at a low interest rate, untaxable and to be sold
without commission as a means of financing home
building and home owning.
Out of all this planning, something is expected
to evolve and those in closest touch with the build-
ing situation are hopeful that advancing weeks may
change the whole face of the situation which
admittedly does not seem as bright now as it did
two or three months ago.
The demand for lumber and building materials
continues to be without spirit or feature and prices
which have prevailed for some time are continuing
unchanged, because the price really plays very little
part in the lumber and materials business just
now.
The prices are about as follows:
Yellow Pine: B. & B. 1-in., $95 to $130, depend-
ing on thickness; 2x4, No. 1, 10 to 16 ft. length,
$51 to $53; 2 x 6, $48; 2 x 8, $50; 2 x 10, $53;
2 x 12, $55 ; 13-16 x 3% z & b flat flooring, $85 to
$90; 1 x 6, No. 2 common, $48 to $90. Douglas
Fir: 2 4 S, in sizes up to 12 x 12, in length up to
32 ft., $65 to $70; 14 x 14, $68 to $73; 16 x 16,
$72 to $75; 18 x 18, $75 to $80. Hard Maple:
Four, J4 No. 1 and 2, $135; select, $120; No. 1
common, $100 ; No. 2 common, $65 ; No. 3 common,
$32. Birch: Four % No. 1 and 2, $160; select, $133
to $138 ; No. 1 common, $95 to $100 ; No. 2 common,
$60 to $65 ; No. 3 common, $40. Red Gum: Four
J4 No. 1 and 2, $150; No. 1 common, $90 to $92;
No. 2 common, $45.
Face Brick — Standard, vitrified red, $32@
34.00; Smooth, Indiana red, $38.00@40; Smooth
Ohio red, $38.00@40.00 ; Smooth, Pennsylvania red,
$46.00@48.00; Smooth, buff, $45.00@47.00;
Smooth, gray, $47@49.00; Rough, buff, $44.00
@46.00; Rough, gray, $47.00@49.00 ; Variegated,
rough texture, $34.00@49.00.
Common brick, $16.00 per M. Portland cement,
$3.00 per bbl. Torpedo — Lake and bank sand,
$3.50 per yd. Crushed stone, gravel screenings,
$3.50 per yd. Hydrated lime, Ohio, paper, $22.00
per ton. Hydrated lime, Ohio, cloth, $29.00 per ton.
(Includes sacks at 30c. each.) Hydrated lime,
Wis. paper, $20.00 per ton. Bulk lime, $1.75
per ton.
(.Special Correspondence to THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT)
BOSTON — The outstanding feature here this
week was the opening of all the textile mills, large
and small, in New England. After several months
during which mills were either completely closed or
running but one or two days a week, at the present
time all are open, with some operating on a full time
basis and others on four or five days a week sched-
ule, with indications that full time may soon be
resumed.
This is important to architects in that the indus-
trial situation as a whole in New England (and there-
fore any component part of that situation) depends
almost wholly on the textile business. Once the gen-
eral industrial situation is cleared up, there will be a
marked improvement in the building industry. A
most significant fact is that, almost without excep-
tion, the mills are renewing with wage cuts of 22]/2
per cent, in effect, the American Woolen Company
being the last large concern to announce the reduc-
tion. In practically every case, the workers returned
to their looms without marked protest. This is most
certainly an encouraging factor.
Leading textile mill owners are on record as de-
claring that more goods have been sold in the last
three or four weeks than during the entire six months
preceding. There is every confidence that the revival
is not a flurry, but a healthy renewal of life in the
textile industry.
More than 80 per cent, of the workers are back in
Fall River and from 70 to 80 per cent, are again at
work in other important textile centers in this sec-
tion, including the more important centers of New
Hampshire and Rhode Island, also in Maine. About
50 per cent, are reported as working in Lowell,
Lawrence and New Bedford.
Andrew Adie, president of the United States
Worsted Company, declares the industry is now on
the "front edge" of a healthy revival.
All reports agree that there is little merchandise
in the mills' warehouses and that practically all new
business must be met by a resumption of mill
operations.
Architects here find these symptoms most encour-
aging. The uncertainty of the textile situation has
been a decided drawback to any comprehensive or
even partial building program. Owners were not
willing to put money into any new project where the
inhabitants of the communities were either out of
work or in a state of uncertainty concerning their
next day's meals. The importance of the textile in-
dustry here is comparable somewhat to New York's
commerce. Imagine New York's harbor bottled up
for weeks and you have a fair idea of what the situa-
tion has been here for some time.
Your correspondent finds that a number of archi-
tects are looking forward to such a distinctly bettered
industrial situation that a number of building proj-
ects will now very probably go forward without
further delay. Architects generally in the New Eng-
land region are looking forward to a distinct im-
provement in the building industry, as a result of the
improved textile situation. It is even possible that
the workers in the building industry may agree to
certain wage cuts in order to speed the revival of
building, precisely as the textile operators have ac-
cepted their wage cuts in the same spirit.
166
y
GOTHIC WINDOW-THE CATHEDRAL, WETZLER, GERMANY
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
THEAMERICAN ARCHITECT
VOL. CXIX WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1921 NUMBER 2356
BAR-LE-DUC
Reconstruction in Northern France — V
The Future
Bv RALPH FANNINC,
STANDING in the doorway of a tiny wooden
barrack, talking with the owner of this poor
though much appreciated substitute for his
once pretentious dwelling and gazing out across the
broad fields still bearing the marks of a cruel devas-
tation, as one listens to one's garrulous host telling
of the beauty of the various spots, of the adjacent
village and neighboring fields "avant la guerre," one
tries to visualize the future of the massacred regions
of Northern France. Having traversed the devas-
tated regions of the old battle lines, and having been
deeply impressed or perhaps depressed by the breadth
and magnitude of material destruction, the like of
which had probably never been witnessed before the
Great War, and with the compelling force of vivid
contrasts, having recalled the peace and prosperity
of these regions in their pre-war days, one wonders
what the future will bring forth. Even with the
plucky attempts made by the returning refugees to
begin life over under the most trying of living con-
ditions, what will Time, galloping over the next ten
or twenty years, do for the stricken areas of North-
ern France? In what form and in what style will
be the buildings that are to take the place of the
600,000 destroyed homes ? What shape and plan will
be that of the new villages that supplant the pic-
turesque old ones as the waste areas again come
under the constructive rule of Peace?
Prophets are not without honor except when
making their forecasts on the devastated fields them-
Cofyright, 1921, The Architectural <t Building Press (Inc.)
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
selves where, surrounded by all the chaotic destruc-
tion, it is often difficult for the most optimistic to
predict any very rapid reclamation. Especially is
the prophet apt to command no great credit among
those who have not learned to appreciate the many
sterling qualities of the French peasant makeup.
There has been much criticism of the way that the
French have undertaken their gigantic tasks of re-
construction with unfavorable comparisons with the
work in Belgium. It cannot be denied by anyone
who has had to unsnarl a way through the entangled
meshes of French official red tape, and has seen the
suffering and discouragement that delay and appar-
ently useless politics inflicted, that there have not
been times when one was apt to say most uncom-
CHARTRES— STAIRWAY OF QUEEN BERTHA
plimentary things about Gaelic business methods and
political systems.
When immediately after the armistice, the govern-
ment refused British and American aid for per-
manent reconstruction, France hoped to 'promote her
home industries, although it seems that she could not
have realized her exhausted state nor foreseen the
rapid depreciation in the value of her currency. She
expected the Germans to supply the necessary labor.
The days of the Pharaohs are past and slave labor
has long since been proved to be non-productive.
To date the Germans have done practically nothing
although it must be stated in justice to the groups
of German prisoners allowed for the building work
in the Meuse, that more capable, willing and indus-
trious workers would have been hard to obtain, once
BOURGES— BIRTHPLACE OF JACQUES-COEUR
sustaining rations and some degree of humanity were
granted them. It now seems that if there is to be
any very rapid reconstruction, it must come through
foreign assistance. Nor is this any disparagement to
the French people at large when one considers what
the nation has been through during these years of
struggle. One must needs turn from censure to ad-
miration when thoroughly considering what ihey
have withstood and of what they have given many
proofs of being able to accomplish. No country in-
volved in the war, not even Belgium, had to with-
stand the magnitude of suffering that was inflicted
upon France. Many a French village of the devas-
tated regions had hardly a male citizen of military
168
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
age returning to take up the fight of peace times.
Consider the miles of occupied and contested terri-
tory through the valleys of the Somme and Oise,
the Ainse and the Marne. Think of the railroads
alone of which eight hundred miles were still to be
reconstructed on the first of last May. Without
means of transportation, any reconstruction work
could progress but slowly. Not dwelling further
upon the vastness of the problem, one may look for
hope for the future and find it in the toiling figures
of the fields, that, reminiscent of Millets' paintings,
VITRY-LE FRANCOIS— THE BARRACKS
are everywhere seen trying to gather something from
the thorny aftermath of war. Forgetting the un-
pleasant experiences with cumbersome officialdom
and profiteering "entrepreneurs." one may take hope
in the remembrance of the acquaintance with cul-
tured and refined old men and women, accustomed
to pre-war culture, wealth and leisure, coming back
to their old homes with only their pluck and gentility
left, there to undertake with their own hands the
sordid tasks of cleaning and repairing their demol-
ished homes.
From an architectural viewpoint, some hope for
the future may be gleaned by a visit to the drafting
rooms of the department of "Regions Liberees" at
Bar le Due, Chalons or other "prefectures" where
draftsmen are busy on village plans and property
lines. More hope for the three dimensional progress
may be obtained by a visit to bustling Rheims or to
secluded Grand Pre, to cite two specific instances
of very different places where the work of perma-
nent reconstruction has already begun. Rheims be-
fore the war had a population of more than 125,000
souls, living in some 17,000 houses. By the latter
part of the summer of 1918, the city was supposedly
evacuated of all civilian population and, of the
homes, but few were undamaged beyond much hope
of repair. By the beginning of 1920, little more
than a year after the cessation of hostilities, twenty-
five thousand people were reported back within the
mutilated city and organized rebuilding was well
under way. While retaining the essential project of
HOUSE IN CHARTRES— XV. CENTURY
the old city plan with its admirable squares, plans
are being executed to unite the railroad stations for
more efficient communication than the old plan
afforded ; to improve the location of the market-
169
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
BAR-LE-DUC— THE CLOCK TOWER
places; to open up the vistas toward the cathedral
whose towering grandeur, shut off since mediaeval
days by the encroaching buildings, was, in a way,
more thoroughly appreciated after the leveling of
the entourage. The city will for generations to come
retain the ugly scars of battle, but a few years are
pretty certain to see Rheims intact and prospering.
With its crowds of tourists on their pilgrimage to
the heroic cathedral and its location in the midst of
rich though sadly uprooted vineyards, it is bound to
recuperate, although its buildings must necessarily
show the effects of inartistic haste and dearth of the
substantial building materials of old, while the
quaint old historic houses can never be reproduced.
Compared with such a famed and easily accessible
town as Rheims, the fate of the smaller secluded
village is not likely to be as happy. Yet, Grand Pre
in the Ardennes may be cited as an example of one
from many of the more remote villages that are
taking on new life. Here a new village has been laid
out with straight streets and open places to substi-
tute for the compact dwellings that bordered the
curved streets of the old town. A model school-
house with ample play-ground to take the place of
the former cramped ecole, and fresh air and cleanli-
ness are items to be considered as never before,
thanks to the new institutions of district nursing
and public welfare. These are but two very different
examples cited from the many places where the work
of rebuilding is progressing.
The story may be heard if one talks with some
old patriarch about the Marne Town of Vitry-le-
Francois of how the place won its name in the
XVIth century, as well as how it was saved from
destruction by the integrity and diplomacy of the
mayor and cure when they were taken as hostages
by the late enemy. Whether the story of the name
be authentic or not, it is illustrative of the typical
home devotion of the inhabitants of Northern, and
perhaps as justly stated, all of France. It seems
that Francis I, "Pere des Lettres," who has come
down in history as a most energetic and progressive
builder, had pet schemes of town planning that
would rival in beauty and order many of our gar-
denesque plans of today. By his orders and under
THE ARGONNE— CHURCH IX SERVOX, 1914
his directions, was laid out the new town of Vitry
with model symmetry and harmony to replace the
older Vitry that had incurred his majestic dislike.
170
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
In spite of the great public square, covered market
and imposing facades offered them by the royal
builder of the new Vitry, the people of the older
town were loath to forsake their accustomed homes
and tried manner of living. So stubborn were they
in their resistance that in order to compel them to
move, Francis had the homes of the old village
burned one by one, thus forcing the villagers to
move over to the new. Still they would not be con-
tent with the new village in name, but called it
Vitry-le-Francois to differentiate it from the old
Vitry-le-Brule, (Vitry the Burnt). The hundreds
of French towns which have been forced to seek
new character by even more drastic methods than
those employed by the Valois king, have not the
newly modeled quarters awaiting their reception, yet
it is to be wondered at how great an extent they
will be enabled to cling to their old styles and tra-
dition of building.
Architectural design, if it be virile and vital, must
ever mirror the conditions of time and place and
masters and means that make for its creation. As
a natural development, perhaps it is not safe to hope
for a much different style of building than is to be
seen in the other recent architectural developments
in France. Perhaps it is unreasonable to expect
other than machine made goods from factory system
of production. Greek curves could hardly be the
expected output of a concrete mixer, nor is it more
logical to expect the subtle curves of village streets,
the natural picturesqueness of uneven rows of
houses with lines and tones mellowed by centuries,
to be obtained by an emergency housing program
put through in minimum time under present labor
conditions. Even if the old lines were retained, the
newer, lighter and more machine-made construction
would not have the same charm as the old, but
MINAUCOURT AFTER A BOMBARDMENT
would be apt to suggest the artificial and theatrical.
So to a degree, the housing problem of Northern
France as far as design goes is much the same as
' the housing problems the world over ; — especially in
all the countries where the more natural course of
events has been interrupted by the World War, is
there a demand for new and better homes.
The devastated areas of France have the advant-
age of offering artistic prototypes and charming
architectural traditions to the future builder if he is
capable of adapting the old style to a logical con-
struction in new material and with modern labor.
It is to be hoped that the people themselves will
appreciate the wealth of their artistic inheritance and
cling to it as their ancestors have clung to their old
homes and family traditions. May the examples
of the old style, relics of which remain in nearly
every community, furnish keynotes for the remod-
eled scenes which are gradually to take the place of
the old. May the new villages grow up in conforma-
tion to all the new teachings, — co-operation, sanita-
tion, and advantageous public and private institu-
tions that the years of war occasionally forced upon
the people in exile, but as they develop, with all
these, may there still be retained that individuality
and naivete, characteristic of older days.
With families again united, French homes are
sure to revive: with church and school again filled,
something of the old order will be continued : with
farms and industries re-established, the old trades
and manners of work are quite certain to reappear.
With the soft limestone and red tiles, sapin lath and
rough plaster again on hand, the painstaking French
craftsman will no doubt again be able to erect simple
homes of beautiful proportions, the gardeners to
train their pear trees into many branched candela-
brum effects and clip their planes and box into
shapely geometrical forms. It is hoped that money
will not be sufficient if poverty will tend toward an
avoidance of the display of jig-saw skill, fancy
dressed stone and distasteful combinations of the
materials such as modern French building taste
seems apt to favor. If only they can content them-
selves with relying upon their native charms and
simplicity of honest construction, not mimicing the
fads of the metropolis, but relying on the merits of
their native costumes for the grace that is their birth-
right, even though trade may inflict a change of
materials and hygiene suggest a more ample cut.
Such vast destruction and economic waste as have
had the fields of Northern France for their theatre
of action cannot be obliterated in one or perhaps
many years. Many generations of future inhabitants
and travellers in these areas are to be reminded by
broken walls and crumbling stone of the years of
savage strife. Diligent work on the part of man and
friendly aid and co-operation from other nations is
the pressing need. Backed by this the unceasing
labor from the callous hands of the French peasant
is going to be the potency which will re-create their
land and make the world richer for "La belle
France, encore."
171
The American Specification Institute
AS heretofore produced specifications have been
largely the product of individual effort and as
such have varied in many features that can
be conventionalized so as to be common to all. Owing
to a present lack of means for collecting and dis-
tributing information concerning specifications and
the writing thereof, there is a needless duplication
of study, research and labor on the part of specifica-
tion writers. Practically all other professions are
so organized that the interchange of knowledge is
effected with resulting improvement in the quality
of production and professional standing. It is to
improve the conditions affecting the writing of speci-
fications and to benefit by organized effort that THE
AMERICAN SPECIFICATION INSTITUTE is organized.
This organization is intended to be national in scope
and invites co-operation of all those interested in
specifications. The plan and scope of this organiza-
tion follows :
I. PURPOSE
1. To increase knowledge concerning and im-
prove the methods of writing specifica-
tions. The kinds of specifications included
are those for buildings, engineering struc-
tures and all works whatsoever in which
materials of construction and labor are
used; for the installation and use of me-
chanical and sanitary apparatus and equip-
ment ; for the fabrication and installation of
all furnishings and furniture ; for all orna-
ments and ornamentation, both interior and
exterior ; for paving, planting, embellishing
and improving of grounds and waterways ;
and for such other things as are produced
or sold on specifications.
2. The Institute will not interfere with any
of the present organizations such as
a — The American Society For Testing
Materials
b — Kindred national and local architec-
tural and engineering societies
c — Manufacturers' and trade associations,
but will endeavor to carry forward the ac-
tivities of such and give additional assist-
ance to specification writers.
II. BENEFITS TO BE OBTAINED
The architectural and engineering professions
will gain through
a — The development of specification
writers
b — The development of specifications that
will eliminate cause for argument and
guesswork and lower the cost of
building construction by eliminating
waste of labor and materials
c — Professional recognition of specifica-
tion writers
III. MEMBERSHIP
Will be composed of
1. ACTIVE MEMBERS
a — Persons who devote their entire time
or a part thereof to the writing of
specifications
2. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
a — Persons who employ specification
writers
3. HONORARY MEMBERS
a — Testing and laboratory engineers
b — Instructors in specification writing in
architectural and engineering schools
IV. ORGANIZATION
a — Will be governed by a constitution and
set of by-laws
b — The secretary will direct the activities
of all researches, co-operation with
other societies, etc., and will secure
and provide answers to all inquiries
of the members.
V. ACTIVITIES OF ORGANIZATION
1. Study of materials
a — The production and physical proper-
ties of raw materials
b — Methods of manufacturing, fabrica-
tion and finishing
c — Relative value based on appearance,
initial cost and maintenance, effect of
combinations with other materials and
proper materials for various types of
buildings of varying grades.
2. Methods of writing specifications
A study will be made of :
a — The means of accomplishing complete
co-operation between the drawings and
specifications and determining
What methods of construction and in-
stallation should be used
What the drawings should show or indi-
cate
What should be omitted for inclusion in
the specifications
b — -The development of an outline or
checking list
c — The general contract conditions
d — Specific requirements governed by lo-
cal conditions
172
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
e — Use of Standard Specifications of ma-
terials as prepared by societies and
manufacturers
f — The arrangement of specifications so
as to conform to the sequence of con-
struction and installation of the work
g — The writing of specifications that are
clear, concise, coherent and that can be
understood by the courts
h — The principles of contract law as it af-
fects the writing of specifications
i — Possible standardization of building
codes.
3. The securing of the adoption of recom-
mended practices by the professions and
others concerned
4. The deliberations of the Institute discus-
sions, treatises by members or invited con-
tributors and other matters will be pub-
lished.
For further information, applications for mem-
bership, etc., address Organization Committee, THE
AMERICAN SPECIFICATION INSTITUTE, Gardner C.
Coughlen, Sec'y Pro Tern, Room 1144, American
Bond & Mortgage Building, Chicago, Illinois.
CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART, NORTHAMPTON, MASS.
JNO. WM. DONOHOE, ARCHITECT
173
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
The Billop House, Staten Island
(See Reproduction of Original Drawing by O. R. Eggers on Opposite Pane)
rHE Billop House here presented by Mr. Eggers is one
of the earliest examples of American architecture.
From its first beginnings it has been linked with events
in American history that have endeared it as the background
for many legends.
At a time back in the 1660'j the Duke of York claimed
Staten Island as part of the colony of New York. New Jer-
sey also wanted possession. In order to give his decision the
semblance of fairness the Duke ruled that all islands lying in
or near the harbor which could be circumnavigated in
twenty-four hours were to belong to New York and the others
to New Jersey. In those slow old days this was a tedious proc-
ess and the Duke was put to it to find a competent sailor. It
was Captain Christopher Billop, in command of a small
vessel, who succeeded, and this act won from the Duke of
York a tract of land containing 1,163 acres.
The house here illustrated, located at Tottenville, is the
oldest structure in Staten Island and was built b\ Billop soon
after the land was presented to him in 1668. It stands a little
way beyond a group of farmhouses under the shade of huge
trees generations old, such as one rarely sees in this part of
the world, where axes and forest fires have wrought havoc.
During the Revolution, Generals Howe, Cornwallis, Clin-
ton, Burgoyne and others were entertained there. Under the
roof of the Billop House was held the only peace conference
of the Revolution, which took place on September 6, 1776
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Edward Rutledge had
been appointed by the Continental Congress to confer with
the English on the issues of the war. The house was used as
a barracks during the Revolution and in the cellar there is a
brick vault and dungeon, large and finely arched, which is
said to have been put to stern use. It is believed that an
underground passage was made at that time, leading down
to the river, a distance of two hundred yards.
The gloomy tales of the dungeon, the suffering prisoners,
the underground passage, are only one side of the old house's
history. Gay and sparkling scenes took place above. Many
a banquet did the old manor see; many a daintily brocaded
lady, many a gallant, ruffled and powdered gentleman. Its
rise and fall encompass perhaps every human emotion and it
is one of the honored landmarks of a rich country.
174
BILLOP HOUSE, STATEN ISLAND, N. Y.
TBE AMERICAN ARCHITECT Siriet of Earlt Amtriian Archtlttturi
mm m mmmmm mmm mm
The American Specification Institute
IT is a distinct satisfaction to be able to present
on another page of this issue a complete pros-
pectus of the organization now forming to place spe-
cification writing on a plane somewhat in. keeping
with its importance. That comparatively few archi-
tectural offices have heretofore given this subject the
attention it deserved has been readily apparent from
a study of the specifications issued by them. A care-
ful reading of the Specification Institute's prospectus
leads to the belief that if the plan set forth is car-
ried out the net result will be not only better build-
ings for less money, but also a definite enhancement
of the architect's reputation.
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT cheerfully pledges its
support to this movement and also bespeaks the active
co-operation of the profession with the group of men
who have undertaken this work with no thought or
possibility of personal gain. In fact it is perfectly
apparent that the profession as a whole, rather than
any individuals, will profit by the betterment of any
of the processes by which architects procure a final
result.
Greenwich Village, Los Angeles
A GROUP of men in Los Angeles, it is learned,
have bought certain ground in that city where
they propose to build an amusement center. There
are to be one and two story reinforced concrete and
brick amusement buildings, theatre, studios, art
building, cafes and residences, and shopping district.
This section of Los Angeles is to be called Green-
wich Village.
To a New Yorker, to anyone pledged to historical
accuracy, this seems a misleading and in a sense
desecrating thing to do. The real Greenwich Village
stands for certain traditions. One cannot success-
fully imitate a thing that has grown through long-
years, whose very history is the reason for its exist-
ence.
Yet Los Angeles is satisfied to build a series of
more or less standardized reinforced concrete, mod-
ern buildings, and by usurping a time-honored name,
let it appear that there is presented an honest replica
of the ancient, weather-worn, picturesque structures
which have been converted and reconverted to serve
purposes dictated by an ever-changing populace.
There is a mental twist, a certain looseness that
sanctions a misrepresentation like this. Nomencla-
ture is useless if it is not accurate. The many dwell-
ers on the coast who have never seen the Greenwich
Village of Manhattan will be given false impres-
sions as to what it stands for; and indeed today,
it is the admixture of foreign folk with the native
residents that gives Greenwich Village in New York
an atmosphere which not even an honest physical
duplication of surroundings can produce outside of
the metropolis. Its very cosmopolitan quality is its
distinguishing trait. This is felt as one saunters
through New York's Greenwich Village. A subtle
something that is not apparent to the eye, but that
causes it to reveal a different and novel aspect with
each variety of type that one happens to encounter.
An Italian peasant woman transplanted, it would
seem, from the sunny fields of Italy, but really living
two streets away. Some little Chinese boys who had
strayed from winding Doyers Street with its dilapi-
date'd yet tidy houses, and are unconcernedly wash-
ing a cat in the public drinking fountain. A short-
haired girl in a painter's smock, heavy Indian beads
around her neck, gazing abstractedly at a man who
carries a brief case and studies the erotic captions
of erotic books in an erotic shop window. A limou-
sine which pauses before an Italian restaurant to
discharge two fat women in seal coats and a gray-
haired man with a silver-topped cane. A feeble,
bearded Jew, bent under a huge jute bag of waste
paper. All this, in Greenwich Village.
And the quaint old gabled houses, reminiscent of
Dutch occupation. The stables of old Washington
Square mansions now used for studios. The occa-
sional, amusingly discordant public garage. The
crooked streets laid before there was thought of a
city plan. The fine doorways of private dwellings
where once lived the aristocracy of a peaceful town.
An Indian Village, a large Dutch farm, a small
English colony and one of the earliest American
settlements— all have left their marks on Greenwich
175
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Village in New York. Today it is the habitat of the
artist, the writer, the dreamer, both the genuine and
the poseur. Here come those students in art who
hope to develop under the influence of metropolitan,
or cosmopolitan life, the faddist and the would-be
great, as well as the tried and proven artists. It is
of happiness to those who cannot afford the luxury
the home of happy, care-free indigence and ambi-
tion. It gives music and conversation and touches
of more formal places. It gives color to many a
life that would otherwise be drab.
Picture it in brand-new modern white reinforced
concrete buildings, regularly laid out in cold uni-
formity in Los Angeles !
The Personal Equation
AN EDITORIAL BY SULLIVAN W. JONES, A.I.A.
WHAT is the matter with the individual ?
AT a time when we should hear the thun-
derous voice of the multitude demanding to know the
facts — there is silence. At a time when every per-
son should be giving his thought to the problems of
reconstruction, we find instead the expression of the
vast public to be indefinite, waiting for someone else
to do its thinking for it. Instead of a lively interest
which would seem to arise inevitably from the indi-
vidual's need, we have the unlovely spectacle of leg-
islative committees investigating conditions while the
Press and the Public satisfy their appetite for sen-
sation and scandal.
While this is the general situation there are small
groups — pathetically small — of forward looking citi-
zens, committees for research and study and a few
scattered individuals with views and understanding,
occasionally suggesting constructive programs, which,
however, fall upon deaf ears and closed minds.
On the other hand, there, is no lack of complaint
and condemnation. The average individual seems
to have lost his sense of responsibility for things
as they are and has joined the herd in its quest for
victims upon which to vent its wrath.
Individually and collectively, by both omission
and commission, we are responsible for things as
they are. Particularly is this true of the present
paralysis affecting the building industry.
This vacuum, where there should be an impelling
feeling of responsibility, this mental lethargy and
lack of forethought on the part of a large number of
individuals has let the building industry in New
York City slip gradually into the condition of com-
plete demoralization revealed by the investigations
of the Lockwood Committee.
Similar investigations in other large cities would
probably reveal the same loathsome conditions. Who
is responsible? There is only one answer. The in-
dustry— the individuals composing the industry.
NO nation, no industry, can endure in which the
individual does no thinking, in which he does
not contribute his thought to the mass thought, his
will to the mass will, his opinion to the mass opinion.
There are always groups of thinkers — always piti-
fully small — who can and do lead the unthinking
crowd. But such leadership lasts only so long as
there is a crowd to follow, and a crowd that will
translate ideas and ideals into action. Knowledge
is power only when applied. Upon the truth of that
assertion rests our whole concept of education.
How many individuals realize that the rent legis-
lation adopted by the special session of the New
York State Legislature completely stifled any will
there was to build on the part of those who were
able to help in satisfying the public's need for hous-
ing? The problem was one of getting houses. The
legislature closed the door on any possibility of . a
solution.
We cry out against the railway embargoes, the
shortage of cars and the high rates. Does the in-
dividual ever ask why these conditions prevail or
what the underlying causes really are? No. He
"leaves it to George" to get the facts and do his
thinking for him.
The building will never be better than it has been,
and is, if we do not, all of us, apply ourselves to the
improvement of conditions. To do that, we must
individually do some straight thinking on the basis
of facts. What do you, as an individual, think the
trouble is. What do you, again as an individual,
suggest as a corrective measure?
Do some thinking, and then write your thoughts
to the Editor of this journal, to be used in forward-
ing the movement for convening the Congress of the
Building and Construction Industry.
And if you did not read about that Congress and
what it proposes to do, or if you did read of it and
gave it little thought, get hold of last week's issue
of THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT and turn to page 137,
read carefully what is written there, and let the
Editor know just what you think of the idea and
its possibilities.
Do your share as an intelligent individual in a
great profession !
176
rt
H
«
W
O
W
ffi
U
u
H- 1
t*
w
w
DC
H
S5
x"
VOL. CXIX, No. 2356
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
FEBRUARY 16. 1921
ENTRANCE DETAIL
BUILDING FOR THE AMERICAN BOOK CO., CHICAGO
N. MAX DUNNING. ARCHITECT
K
NEWELL MEMORIAL CHAPEL
KENOSHA CEMETERY ASSOCIATION, KENOSHA, WIS.
N. MAX DUNNING. ARCHITECT
INTERIOR, NEWELL MEMORIAL CHAPEL
KENOSHA CEMETERY ASSOCIATION, KENOSHA, WIS.
h
u
w
H
HH
£
u
pi
<
£
<
u
H- 1
»J
W
S
<j
w
K
H
SFLtt
LJll yjii 1M1
L1I La Llill L
H
<
a
U
W
H
i— i
ffi
U
U
I— I
f*
W
w
DC
H
fe
x"
X
u
c
U
c
W
U
fe
^j
^
'B
I
U
W
E-
i— i
ffi
U
u
*— I
w
S
<
w
o
3
u
O
^
Q
.J
5
pq
U
y
u
Q
o
H
O
o
2
^
o
H
1/5
g
S
u
fc;
O
S
z
g
X
s
z
o
X
3
o"
Q
I — I
m
O
H
o
X
tR':-MFM: i';np-.^': ;>•
,' M" .• V ^'.-..-I/1'/1';}., '., <V*AI ^
r-M^Y^'jt^J:aTJ<J_1Lr .^•'•^'^"Ji-'-'iii-V! >.-• .'.•'.'..-•(. -- . rt'n"ti-| jt it l--*'^" • Ot •:=±f'
ffll^
«< 0
THE LOOSE-WILES BISCUIT CO. BUILDING, LONG ISLAND CITY, N. Y.
WILLIAM HIGGINSON, ARCHITECT
Modern Practice in Reinforced Concrete
Construction
Beam and Girder Construction Exemplified in the Loose-Wiles Building
WHILE the use of concrete in building con-
struction— and by concrete is meant an arti-
ficial stone produced by processes far more
rapid than those employed by nature in the normal
formation of rock — dates back to almost ancient
times, yet only during comparatively recent years
has any attempt been made to supplement this rather
brittle substance with steel that it might be enabled
to withstand tensile as well as compressive strains-
By forming a combination of steel and concrete an
all around structural material has been produced,
now termed "reinforced concrete."
A survey of modern structures built of reinforced
concrete must force the admission that a high degree
of development has already taken place since the
introduction of this material as a real factor in
building construction. Engineers of an inventive
turn of mind have here found an excellent field in
177
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
..-. •h,*o»*-v • '
-ttVtvis •»>j;» Ys I'1 : ^sJSsJ
(SVys^r":^** »>??:;?'-V^VV??:rf:r-~--*t'~>>:-> Vr^3&
I JTIJ i
* a * 5 J 1 4 J ^ J
ly »-*.Wrt.- f.T.-
>,\ .*-;. ~f ;;.T -
.•.?-ff~K ??~*~Fz' -~>±~ .T---tt-Tr?-'-yp'
[^V -» -f * .rr -
• "nnsjiE;
^•^?7*' "* -;•.---- ,-,- —fit ^
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
which to work, and the new systems already pro-
duced lead one to believe that a yet more efficient
use will be made of reinforced concrete in the not
distant future. Today we have the results of ex-
tensive tests on various systems to guide us in mak-
ing additional steps in advance.
It is not the purpose of these articles to describe
the many special systems of construction which have
made use of reinforced concrete, but rather to point
out the essential features in the several general lines
Space? in back of terra coffot
••' filled solid with mortar
710 Gal. wire U placed over £ rod and
'.»: info anchor hole in flange of terra coffer
7" ,//
z » /=, offer ra cotta Joint"
.-#IO Gal. wire ties -IZ "/ong,,
spaced S "ff. C. ben f over- rod.
£T ^ ffcd pa'in ted with red lead
'
METHOD OF ANCHORING TERRA COTTA TO
CONCRETE COLUMNS
along which reinforced concrete construction has
been developed to date.
Precedent has played its part in such work, and
\ve find the first reinforced concrete buildings fol-
lowed closely steel design, in so far as the arrange-
ment of the structural members is concerned.
Spacing o f
columns,
beams and
girders d i f-
f e r e d little
from standard
practice i n
steel design,
except that
where floor
loads were
heavy it fre-
quently b e -
came neces-
sary to resort
to closer col-
umn spacing
to avoid either excessively deep or wide girders.
This type is known as beam and girder construction.
A building in which such construction was employed,
and which possesses certain features of interest is
here illustrated.
A later development brought about the girderless
floor or "flat slab" type of construction, as it is now
more generally termed. This form of construction
will be described and illustrated in a later article.
In the consideration of this type of reinforced
VIEW SHOWING SLAB REINFORCEMENT
SECTION THROUGH REINFORCED CON-
CRETE CORNICE
concrete building, reference will be made to the
building of the Loose-Wiles Biscuit Company at
Long Island City, N- Y., of which William Higgin-
son was the architect. This structure was erected
by the Turner Construction Company. It is the
largest bakery building in the world, occupying a
ground area
430 x 200 ft,
and is nine
stories and
basement i n
height. A
wood pile
found ation
was used,
there being
approximately
15,000 piles
s u p p o rting
the structure.
In general the
floor live
loads vary
179
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
PROGRESS VIEW
Showing erection of steel columns
from 150 Ibs. to 400 Ibs. per sq. ft., but in the
upper stories, where the English and American bake
ovens are located, the live load runs as high as 2000
Ibs. per sq. ft.
In this building 360 different kinds of biscuits and
crackers are made, one machine alone turning out
7,3000,000 crackers of one kind daily. Some 2600
persons are employed when the plant is operating to
full capacity.
A framing plan typical of the lower stories is re-
produced on page 178. It will be noted that the
columns are in general spaced 21 ft. 2 in. in one
direction and 16 ft. 4 in. in the other. Each bay is
divided into three panels by beams spanning in the
long direction. By arranging the girders on the
short span the depths of beams and girders are kept
more nearly equal- In this case the typical girder
GI has a theoretical span of 16 ft. 4 in. and is 21^
in. wide by 26^ in. total depth. The reinforcement
consists of four lj^-in. square bars and fourteen
y&-m. square stirrups. Two of these bars are run
straight in the bottom and two are run in the bot-
tom for about one-quarter of the span either side
of the center line and bent up so as to be at the
top over the support and run far enough beyond
the edge of the support to develop the full strength
in bond of the3e bars in order to resist the negative
moment at this point. This girder is designed to
resist the positive bending moment at the center
caused by the concentrated loads from the beams
at the third points and the uniform dead load of the
girder itself. This moment is reduced to two-thirds
PROGRESS VIEW
Illustrating method of carrying up terra cotta facing
180
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
to allow for the continuous monolithic construction
and the section and reinforcement at the support is
designed to resist s. negative moment equal to the
reduced positive moment. It should be noted that
the width of this girder is greater than that required
to resist the allowable shearing stress of 150 Ibs-
per sq. in. This is done so as to permit the rein-
forcing bars to run by on either side of the steel
part of the beam provided its effective width shall not
exceed on either side of the beam one-sixth of the span
length of the beam nor be greater than six times the
thickness of the slab on either side of the beam, the
measurements being taken from edge of web."
This provision is generally taken advantage of in
the design when beam and girder construction is
used.
In the Loose-Wiles building the floor arches in
"t i -
"-•'r--^ ' *~'r±*^H,l*.jf
, '/- v ,'-.'.
'
— -i-MSSrf-
iifc..~-fl
'
PLAN OF SEVENTH FLOOR
Showing location of English and American bake ovens
column cores. The typical beam B3 is 7"x20j4"
reinforced with %-in. square bars and fourteen
5/16-in. square stirrups. These bars are placed in
a way similar to the girder reinforcing bars above.
WL
In the calculation of the beams the formula — ^~-
was used to obtain both the positive and negative
bending moments to be resisted. The floor illus-
trated was designed for a live load of 200 Ibs. per
sq. ft-
The New York Building Code provides that,
"Where adequate bond between slab and web of beam
is provided, the slab may be considered as an integral
the majority of the floors are 4 in. thick, reinforced
with Y^-m. square bars 9l/2 in. on centers. A
^2 -in. square distributing bar is placed in the center
in each case and a 1" x l"x %" T-bar is carried
by cast iron bridges over each beam, this bar serv-
ing to raise the slab reinforcement to the top at these
points, as shown in the drawing, as well as in one
of the photographs.
By many it may bethought that beam and girder
construction was now but seldom used, being almost
entirely superseded by flat slab construction. This,
however, is not the case. Where the floor panels
can be arranged approximately in squares, it will
181
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
METHOD OF ANCHORING FACING TO BRICK
SPANDREL WALLS
often be found that a flat slab design will prove the
most economical. There are many buildings in
which such an arrangement of columns is not pos-
sible- Remembering that primarily the building is
erected to house a business, often of an industrial
nature, the first condition to be met is the harmo-
nizing of the constructional features with the sys-
tem of operation to be employed. It will often oc-
cur that a certain number of machines of a certain
size must be placed in a bay and this will determine
the column spacing in that direction. Other features
may fix the spacing in the other direction, with the
result that rectangular bays are formed. In such
cases, the beam and girder type will often prove both
the most satisfactory and economical. In cases
where heavy concentrated loads or heavy vibrating
machinery are to be supported this type of con-
struction may also prove best.
One of the factors which to some extent at least
has tended to limit the height of reinforced con-
crete structures is the large proportions the columns
assume in the lower stories. For industrial build-
ings up to six stories with nominal floor loading the
column sizes will not usually prove objectionable.
However, in buildings over this height or those in
which heavy floor loadings occur, and also in build-
ings occupied for office purposes, hotels, etc., it be-
comes necessary to keep the column sections to min-
imum size. This can be accomplished in reinforced
concrete construction by the use of steel cores,
usually fabricated the same as for a structural steel
building. In some cases cast iron cores have been
used.
By fixing a limit to the size of column, it is pos-
sible to make use of reinforced concrete columns
until the loads bring the column to the maximum
size permissible, and below this level structural steel
cores can be used- This was done in the Loose-
PORTION OF QUEENS PLACE ELEVATION
182
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Wiles building, the steel
cores extending from foot-
ing to seventh floor level.
By resorting to this com-
bination the columns in
the first story do not ex-
ceed 21 y2" x 25" in sec-
tion. These steel columns
can be clearly seen in two
of the photographs. This
is by no means an unusual
feature, and seems a log-
ical design under the cir-
cumstances, since these
columns each carry in the
neighborhood of 1000 tons
in the lowest story, which
load would require a rein-
forced concrete column of
from 3j^ to 4 ft. in diam-
eter. Where possible,
however, it is more eco-
nomical to use reinforced
concrete throughout.
When steel cores are
used it is safe to use a
higher unit stress in the
steel than would be per-
missible were the steel not
encased in concrete. Most
building codes make al-
lowance for this. The
New York code, for in-
stance, provides as fol-
lows:
"In columns of structural
steel, thoroughly encased
in concrete not less than
four inches thick and rein-
forced with not less than
one per cent, of steel, the
allowable load shall be six-
teen thousand pounds per
square inch on the struc-
tural steel, the percentage
of reinforcement being the
volume of the reinforcing
steel divided by the volume
of the concrete enclosed by
the reinforcing steel. Not
more than one-half of the
reinforcing steel shall be
placed vertically. The rein-
forcing steel shall not be
placed nearer than one inch
to the structural steel or
to the outer surface of the
concrete. The ratio of
length to least radius of
gyration of structural steel
section shall not exceed
one hundred and twenty."
Such steel columns, if
not so encased would
SECTION AA
SECTION BB
probably have a limiting
unit stress of about 12,000
Ibs. per sq. in. on the cross
sectional area of the steel
instead of 16,000 Ibs.
The choice of materials
for wall construction is
largely a matter of indi-
vidual selection or taste,
governed, of course, by lo-
cal conditions. The wall
columns and girders will
naturally be of reinforced
concrete, and concrete
walls, with perhaps some
simple decoration, seem
the logical selection. How-
ever, brick or brick faced
with ornamental terra cot-
ta are not uncommon ma-
terials. Where a brick or
terra cotta facing is used
over the concrete wall col-
umns and girders, the de-
tail of anchoring is im-
portant.
The walls of the build-
ing here illustrated are
faced with white glazed
terra cotta. The spandrel
walls are of brick faced
with terra cotta. The
method of anchoring the
facing is clearly illustrated
in two of the drawings
showing different wall sec-
tions. Sections AA and
BB give a general idea of
the wall construction while
the partial sections to
larger scale show the de-
tails. The terra cotta fac-
ing for the brick spandrel
walls is anchored by or-
dinary galvanized iron
strap anchors, while wire
ties embedded in the con-
crete and an angle iron an-
chored to the concrete hold
the tile facing to the con-
crete wall girders. An in-
spection of the section
taken through a portion of
the concrete wall columns
will show that here the an-
choring of the terra cotta
became more complicated.
183
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Horizontal chases Ji"xl^" spaced approximately
12 in. apart vertically were formed on the face of
the wall columns when they were poured. These
recesses are clearly defined on some of the wall col-
umns in the photograph showing the lower stories
already faced and the concrete exposed above. Here
wire anchors 12 in. long and 8 in. on centers, placed
prior to the pouring of the concrete, were embedded
6 in. in the concrete. These wire ties were used to
This building was one of those visited by members
of the American Society of Civil Engineers who at-
tended the 1921 annual meeting, and the writer care-
fully inspected the present condition of the facing,
and so far as could be seen, it has "stayed put."
In the majority of reinforced concrete buildings, a
troweled finish cement floor is used. However, in
some buildings, due to the very nature of the pro-
cesses of manufacture to be carried on, a wood floor-
WOODEN WINDOW DETAILS
hook over a horizontal l/4-m. anchor rod. When the
tile facing was laid, a wire U was placed through the
anchor holes in the terra cotta and this horizontal
rod. As the placement of the facing progressed, the
space between it and the face of the concrete was
slushed in solid with mortar. It will thus be seen
that after this mortar had set the facing became se-
curely tied to the concrete structure. As the build-
ing has been up some years, ample opportunity has
been afforded to show the efficiency of this method-
ing is desired. In the Loose-Wiles buildings most
of the floors of which are devoted to the baking and
packing of various brands of crackers, a concrete
floor was objectionable, and so in these stories wood
flooring was used. One of the photographs shows
this flooring in process of being laid. On top of the
concrete floor arches a thin sand cushion was spread,
and splined wood under flooring, 2 in. thick, laid
directly on top of this cushion. The planks are
fastened together by diagonal nailing. Over this
184
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
under flooring the finished maple flooring was laid.
It is, of course, important when using this method
that the sand be thoroughly dry prior to laying the
flooring.
Solid steel sash windows are at present largely
used in reinforced concrete structures, and in a later
article details of placing this type of window will
be described and illustrated.
In the Loose-Wiles building wooden windows
were used and the details of construction are shown
in one of the drawings. In the second and eighth
stories the openings have curved arches, but the
window frames have square heads-
A study of the details will prove instructive. Wood
nailing strips were embedded in the concrete for
fastening both window and head and jambs, and to
these the frames were nailed. It will be noted that
all frames are caulked. This is an essential feature
where wood frames used in reinforced concrete
buildings, to insure against excessive air and water
leakage.
A reinforced concrete moulded cornice was made
use of, a detail of which is shown. This provides
permanent construction and is vastly superior to
galvanized iron cornice construction.
Due to the special use of this building, extensive
ovens had to be installed. These extend from the
seventh floor to the roof. One of the illustrations
METHOD OF LAYING THE WOOD FLOORING
MONITOR OPEN OVENS
Showing special construction in floors below
shows the manner in which sections of the floor slabs
were omitted above the seventh floor to permit the
proper construction of the ovens. Attention is
directed to the fact that one row of columns just
in front of the ovens has been entirely omitted
above the eighth floor, making necessary the con-
struction of special long span girders at the ninth
floor and roof, shown in part at the left of the illus-
tration above referred to. The peculiar construction
necessary to support the ovens is indicated in the
plan of the seventh floor. As the loads to be sup-
ported under the American or revolving ovens are
very much in excess of those usually met with in
common practice, the use of reinforced concrete
construction under these ovens would have required
girders of very considerable dimensions. There-
fore, steel girders were substituted for this section
of the seventh floor-
In order to permit the greatest degree of flexibility
in the operation of this plant, insofar as the baking
operations were concerned, the seventh floor con-
struction is so designed that at any time the English
or endless conveyor type of oven, numbered from
1 to 8 at the left of the seventh floor plan, may be
extended to the right, replacing some of the Ameri-
can ovens, should this seem desirable. On the other
hand, the steel construction under the American
ovens, numbered from 1 to 22 at the right of the
plan, was continued so as to permit the extension of
this type of oven so as to replace entirely the Eng-
lish oven, should experience warrant such a change.
The floor construction under the English ovens is of
heavy reinforced concrete designed to carry in the-
neighborhood of 1700 Ibs. per sq. ft.
These points are brought out to show the possi-
bilities of taking care of exceptional conditions,
which often occur in industrial buildings.
185
Preventing Cracks in Plaster Walls—Part 1
Results of Investigation by the Associated Metal Lath Manufacturers
THE appearance of cracks in plaster walls,
particularly in corners where two walls or a
wall and ceiling join, has attracted consider-
able study and investigation in the past for the pur-
pose of determining correct methods of applying
lath and plaster so that such cracks might be avoided.
Recent tests have been conducted to show the
effect that different arrangements of metal lath have
upon the cracking tendency of plaster walls and
to determine the best method of application of the
lath to prevent cracks. These investigations have
been divided into several parts, and what is known
as Series A deals with cracks where ceiling and side
walls join.
Six different forms of construction were used,
namely :
1. Wood lath side walls; metal lath ceiling; metal lath
extending 6 in. down side wall; metal lath attachments 6 in.
from corner.
2. Wood lath wall; metal lath ceiling; no bend.
3. Metal lath wall; metal lath ceiling; metal lath corner;
attachments 6 in. from corner.
4. Same as 3 except attachments are right up to corner.
5. Metal lath wall; metal lath ceiling; joint at corner, not
bent over. No. 18 gauge iron ties were once between each
pair studs.
6. Wood lath side wall; wood lath ceiling.
SHOWING TEST SAMPLE SUPPORTED ON
END STUD
The samples used in these tests consisted in each
case of a full sized section of wall and ceiling. They
were made up of three 2" x 4" hemlock studs, spaced
16 in. center to center. The height of the wall was
36 in. and the width of the ceiling portion was 18
in. The sample was 34 in. deep. The plaster was
used in the proportion of 2 : 1 of sand and gypsum
plaster. Two coats were applied on the wood lath
and three on the metal.
A brief summary of the results follows and shows
that metal lath on wall, corner and ceiling with at-
tachments right up to the corner is the strongest
construction and permitted the greatest distortion
before cracks first appeared.
RESULTS OF CRACK TEST.
Sample
No.
LOAD APPLIED ON CENTER STUD
2
4600
3
5200
4
5
3000
6 ..
-Appearance of First Crack— v
Load Deflection
.11
.17
.22
.25
.16
.10 .
186
Current News
Happenings and Comments in the Field of Architecture
and the Allied Arts
Paris Prize of the Society of Beaux-
Arts Architects
The first preliminary competition of the 14th
Paris Prize, open to all citizens of the United States
under thirty (30) years of age on July 1st, 1921,
will be held on February 26th, 1921.
For particulars apply to chairman, 126 East 75th
street. New York City.
Architectural Water Colors
The Department of Architecture of the Massa-
chusetts Institute of Technology has placed on view
in the Rogers Building, Boylston street, Boston, a
loan collection of architectural water colors by art-
ists of distinction. Guardi, Turner and Ruskin are
among the greater names. There are several Wins-
low Homers and Sargents and there is a little Vene-
tian subject painted by Sargent's mother. Ross
Turner, Ralph W. Gray, E. H. Rankin, W. T. Aid-
rich, Denman W. Ross, F. L. W. Richardson and
Charles F. McKim are others of note. The original
idea in forming the exhibition was to offer instruct-
ive and inspiring material to the students in the
school, and it is an example that well might be fol-
lowed wherever young architects are in training.
Oswald Speir
Oswald Speir, Executive Secretary of National
Terra Cotta Society, died suddenly on the Twentieth
Century Limited en route to Chicago on business at
6 o'clock Wednesday morning, February 2. The
cause of death was acute indigestion. He was in
the best of health at the time of taking the train.
A New Yorker, he had spent ten years of his
life on the Pacific Coast.
Few men had a wider acquaintance among the
architectural profession the country over than Mr.
Speir. He was a pioneer of the Terra Cotta indus-
try in this country. As a representative and sales
manager of the old Perth Amboy company it is not
too much to say that without the manufacturer's
co-operation he supplied to his friend, Stanford
White, the eminent architect, such architectural
masterpieces as Madison Square Garden, Judson
Memorial Church, the Herald Building and Park-
hurst Church and others might not have been pos-
sible. These buildings, endeared to New Yorkers
and famous over the world, mark the renaissance of
American architecture, in bringing about which Mr.
Speir contributed directly.
Oswald Speir was born in New Orleans, La.,
August 18, 1864. After studying architecture for
a year he entered the employ of the Perth Amboy
Terra Cotta Company, with whom he continued
until 1908, when he moved to Los Angeles to become
local manager for the Pacific Coast Terra Cotta
Manufacturers, Gladding, McBean & Co. While
on the coast in 1918-19, as Vice-President of Pacific
Marine and Construction Company, he took a lead-
ing part in the construction of concrete ships for
the Emergency Fleet Corporation. He came back
last June to serve the terra cotta industry with
enlarged powers as secretary of the National Terra
Cotta Society. Under his administration note-
worthy progress has been made in the short time
elapsed.
Mr. Speir resided in New York at 26 Gramercy
Park. He leaves a wife and four children. He was
a member of American Institute of Architects,
New York Academy of Sciences, American Ceramic
Society. His clubs were : Faculty, University
of California ; Jonathan, Los Angeles ; Cuyamaca,
San Diego; National Arts, New York.
Southern California Chapter's
Officers
Edwin Bergstrom was unanimously re-elected
president of the Southern California Chapter of
the American Institute of Architects at the Decem-
ber meeting at the City Club. The other officers
elected were: Henry F. Withey, vice-president; R.
Germain Hubby, secretary ; Robert H. Orr, treas-
urer ; and D. C. Allison, director.
Georgia Architects Organize
The Georgia Chapter of the American Institute
of Architects has elected the following officers for
the ensuing year : President, Warren C. Powell ;
first vice-president, P. Thornton Marye; second
vice-president, G. Lloyd Preacher ; secretary, Ar-
thur Neal Robinson; treasurer, Ernest D. Ivey:
187
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
chairman executive committee, Wm. A. Edwards.
Mr. Preacher resides in Augusta, and all the other
officers live in Atlanta.
Alabama Architects
The annual meeting of the Alabama Chapter was
held in Montgomery on January 27. New officers
were chosen as follows : George B. Rogers, Mobile,
president; Bern Price, Birmingham, vice-president;
Eugene H. Knight, Birmingham, secretary-treas-
urer ; Frederick Ausfeld, Montgomery ; D. O. Whil-
din, Birmingham, and Prof. Fred C. Biggin, Au-
burn, board of directors.
It was decided to have an Alabama Chapter ex-
hibit at the May convention of the American Insti-
tute in Washington.
The Chapter will also undertake the collection of
a series of slides on Alabama architectural subjects
which will be exhibited nationally as well as in
England.
The annual prize was renewed to the class in de-
sign of the department of architecture at Auburn.
Steps are also to be taken looking to a better under-
standing between those representing architectural
art and the general public.
Washington State Society Elects
The Washington State Society of Architects held
its annual election in Seattle on December 7 and re-
elected the old board of officers as follows : Messrs.
Harry H. James, American Bank Building, Seattle,
president; Clayton D. Wilson, Mutual Life Build-
ing, Seattle, first vice-president ; Julius Zittel, Spo-
kane, second vice-president ; Watson Vernon, Aber-
deen, third vice-president; Richard V- Gough,
Okanogan, fourth vice-president ; Edgar Blair, Ep-
ler Building, Seattle, secretary, and L. L. Mendel,
Empire Building, Seattle, treasurer. The new board
of trustees consists of Harry H. James, chairman;
Frank H. Fowler, A. Warren Gould, Wm. J. Jones
and R. H. Rowe.
Kansas Architects Hold Annual
Meeting
The annual meeting of the Kansas Society of
Architects was held January 21 at Topeka, Kans.
The morning session was devoted to the reports of
committees and the election of officers. During the
afternoon John H. Kitchen, Kansas City, Mo.,
talked on "Co-operation Between Architects and
Heating Engineers." A general discussion was.
held on "Should the Basis of Charging for Archi-
tectural Services Be Changed?" The speakers at
the banquet in the evening included Tom McNeal,
Topeka; Frank A. Slack, Beloit; Lorentz Schmidt,
Wichita, retiring president; Bishop James Wise,
Topeka. W. E. Glover of Topeka was the toast-
master.
The following officers were elected : President,
W. E. Glover, Topeka ; vice-president, Ed. Fors-
blom ; secretary and treasurer, J. S. Stookey, Ot-
tawa. Two new directors are C. W. Squires of
Emporia and Cecil F. Baker of the faculty of the
Department of Architecture of the State Agricul-
tural College at Manhattan.
Wichita Architects Hold Election
The annual meeting of the Wichita (Kans.) As-
sociation of Architects was held January 20, when
the following officers were elected : President, Ed.
Forsblom (re-elected) ; vice-president, Godfrey
Hartwell ; secretary-treasurer, Glen H. Thomas.
Plans were advanced and discussed for the estab-
lishment of a series of talks and discussion pertain-
ing to architecture, to be given at the society's reg-
ular meetings. Various outside concerns or their
representatives will be invited to talk before the
meetings as well as the members.
Virginia Chapter, A. I. A., Names
Officers
The Virginia Chapter of the American Institute
of Architects held its annual meeting January 18 at
the Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Va. The following
officers were elected : President, Fiske Kimball,
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va. ; vice-
president, John Kevan Peebles, Peebles & Fergu-
son, Norfolk, Va. ; secretary and treasurer, Charles
J. Calrow, Calrow, Wrenn & Tazewell, Norfolk,
Va.
Sargent Returns to Boston
John S. Sargent has returned from England and
will continue his work on the decorations for the
rotunda of the Museum of Fine Arts.
For a National Arboretum
A resolution for the establishment of a botanical
garden and arboretum of not less than 1,000 acres
near Washington, D. C., for the purpose of grow-
ing and classifying all varieties of trees and plants
available to American horticulturists, was passed
unanimously at the annual convention of the New
England Nurserymen's Association at the American
House, Boston. E. F. Coe is secretary.
188
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
The Ricker Library of Architecture
There has come to us an illustrated booklet of
some seventy pages published by the Department of
Architecture of the University of Illinois.
This is replete with interesting information on
the early literature of architecture and modern ar-
chitectural books. One chapter gives a compre-
hensive list of works on architecture recommended
to students of architecture and available in the
Ricker Library of the University of Illinois.
For a Omaha Art School
Introduction of a bill providing for incorporation
of a board of trustees for an institute of teaching
and learning, to be devoted chiefly to art, revealed
plans for the construction of a magnificent fine art
school by Mrs. George A. Joslyn. Property from
Twenty-second to Twenty-fourth and Dodge streets
probably will be used for the site of the school,
which is expected to represent an expenditure of
from $1,000.000 to $3,000,000.
Plan Permanent Buildings for 1926
World's Fair
Permanent buildings rather than gaudy temporary
structures are advocated by members of the art jury
of Philadelphia for the world's fair contemplated in
1926 on the 150th anniversary of the signing of the
Declaration of Independence. Already ambitious
plans have been proposed for an exposition un-
equaled by any heretofore held anywhere.
Our Imports of Art Works
In the eleven months ending with November the
United States imported paintings, statuary and
other works of art to the aggregate value of $25,-
782,842, as against $17,579,291 in the same eleven
months of 1919 and $6,730,650 in 1918. The im-
portation, contrary to general belief, was not as
great as in the year or two before the war. During
the same eleven months of 1913 our imports of
such articles amounted to $29,273,341, and in 1912
to $53,286,218.
Philadelphia Architects Co-operate
with Labor
Mr. D. Knickerbocker Boyd, former Secretary of
the Institute, conferred with the council of the
Associated Building Trades for Philadelphia and
vicinity (composed of all branches of the industry
except carpenters) and requested opportunity to
address that body on the subject of bettering con-
ditions in the building industry, which request was
granted. He urged the need of closer co-operation
between the various elements in the industry, that
the mechanics might know better the aims of the
architect, and that the architect might help to cre-
ate in the mechanic a keener interest in his work
and in the results sought for in the architect's de-
signs, to the end that they might all help to de-
velop themselves as instruments of service for the
good of the industry.
He suggested that the Council provide oppor-
tunities for lectures on the crafts, plan reading, etc.,
and assured them of the co-operation of architects
in such an undertaking.
The bricklayers promptly responded to the sug-
gestion and under Mr. Boyd's active leadership a
meeting was held at which a number of architects
addressed the men, and offered their assistance and,
as a first definite step in the program, a plan read-
ing class was started. This was conducted by Mr.
Victor D. Abel, architect, every Thursday night,
starting with an attendance of about 100 men, which
gradually increased to the capacity of the hall.
Instruction was given in the reading of plans,
the meanings of indications of materials on draw-
ings, dimension lines, the placing of windows, parti-
tions, the working out of stairways and the relation
between the drawings and the specifications.
In addition to this class Mr. Boyd arranged for
speakers at as nearly as possible every regular
weekly meeting of the union, with subjects of in-
terest to the journeymen who were present to the
extent of three or four hundred at each meeting,
these talks being followed frequently by interesting
open discussion.
Hotel Entrances
The big hotels of New York can no longer ap-
parently afford to devote their fronts to displaying
their purpose. One of the largest on Broadway is
about to rip out its first floor and convert the space
into fine shops. Thus the ambitious hostelries of
Gotham promise to imitate a fashion long prevalent
in the West, which has the virtue of preventing the
interruption of the continuity of a shopping district.
Hereafter, regretfully, the monumental character
of buildings in those parts of the metropolis devoted
to the retail trade of the city is not likely to be re-
garded. The architects will perhaps have to devote
their skill to other parts of the city, where the ten-
dency to lift the eyes above the level of a shop win-
dow is more pronounced than on Broadway or Fifth
avenue.
189
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Art Appreciation Lacking
A lack of appreciation by Bostonians of the Mu-
seum of the Fine Arts and its treasures in statuary,
ceramics and paintings was a subject of comment
in the annual report of Morris Gray, president of
the trustees of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
In that city of 748,000 persons, with a reputation
as a center of culture, he pointed out that the visitors
to the art galleries last year were only about one-
third of the number of inhabitants.
Historic French Village Has Ameri-
can Aid in Memorial
The municipality of Barbizon, deep in the Fon-
tainbleau forest and famous for its association with
artists of the past and present, has, it is learned in
special press dispatches, joined efforts with a com-
mittee of Americans for the construction of a mon-
ument to the French and American soldiers fallen
in the war.
The French sculptor Revillion has been commis-
sioned to execute the memorial which he has of-
fered gratuitously. The townsfolk have contributed
8,000 francs and the American committee has or-
ganized to raise 15,000 francs needed to complete
the work. The monument will be placed in the
center of the village on ground formerly owned by
the painter, Theodore Rousseau, and near the
chapel.
The artist proposes to mount a bronze bust of the
"Gaulois" on a rustic shaft formed of rocks from
the forest. It will bear a plaque inscribing the
. names of Barbizon's sons killed in the war and a
palm leaf and ribbon with the names of the French
victories, Marne, Verdun, Rheims, Alsace and Lor-
raine. The general aspect will be in harmony with
the quaint charm of the village so intimately linked
with the lives of Millet, the painter, and Barye, the
sculptor.
The American committee is composed of Ridg-
way Knight, president; Sidney B. Veit, secretary
and treasurer; Alexander Harrison, Paul W. Bart-
let, George Rowland and Dr. A. L. Hipwell The
proposed dedication will be: "This monument was
erected by subscription donated by the citizens of
Barbizon and our American friends."
rid of the law, and that in itself is likely to take
considerable time.
Architects say that the houses as they stand can
easily support several more stories, and the inten-
tion is, if a law giving the necessary powers is
passed, to make the buildings of the whole street
for a distance of more than a mile of uniform
height. As it is now, the buildings are only four
stories high. As the street faces the Tuileries Gar-
dens, with houses only on the north side, the pro-
posal, it is argued, might very easily be carried out
without injuring the appearance of the famous
street.
In view of the constantly increasing population of
Paris and the limitation of possibilities of spreading
outward, the need for buildings is beginning to be
pressing. The authorities are likely, however, to
prevent any building which would injure the beauty
of the city.
Personal
J. A. Pitzinger has opened an office for architec-
tural practice in Dallas, Texas, 607 Insurance
Building. He has discontinued his connection with
the architectural department of the General Motors
Corp.
Joseph Hudnut has moved his office from 41
Union Square to 51 West 10th street, New York
City.
Rue de Rivoli Wants Skyscrapers
To make the Rue de Rivoli into a street of sky-
scraper apartment houses is the latest proposal of-
fered as a remedy for the housing shortage in Paris
according to a recent press despatch. The street was'
built one hundred years ago, and the law which then
compelled builders not to exceed a uniform height
is still m force. The first step, then, will be to get
Louis D. Grubb has moved from New York to
Register Building, Room 20, Wheeling, W. Va.
Manufacturers' information is desired.
G. Lloyd Preacher has admitted to partnership
George Harwell Bond, J. F. Wilhoit and Nicholas
Mitchell to practice under the name of G Lloyd
Preacher & Co., Healey Building, Atlanta, Ga., and
Masonic Building, Augusta, Ga.
Clarence T. Myers, architect, and Kenneth D
Coffin, architectural engineer, have organized for
the practice of their profession at 412 Traction Ter-
minal Building, Indianapolis.
The architectural practice formerly carried on
under the firm name of Bollard & Webster, 520
Paxton Bldg., Omaha, will be conducted in the
future by James R. Webster at the same address.
Stiles S. Dixon has opened an office for the prac-
tice of architecture in the Home & Ray Building
Fayetteville, N. C. Catalogues and samples desired.'
Cv Desmond Co- have removed to new offices
Beaver street, New York.
at
190
THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT
Health Commissioner Invokes
Millionaires
Dr. Royal S. Copeland, speaking recently before
the Educational Alliance Forum, New York, said
there is no city in the world where housing condi-
tions are as bad as here. He said there are 100,000
more families than houses in this city which means
that 100,000 families are living with other families.
Dr. Copeland told of having had a conference with
fifty millionaires — bankers, trust company directors
and financiers generally — and said that as a result a
committee had been appointed by these men to look
into the housing question with a view to furnishing
more homes.
He stated further, that there are two classes who
do not want to see more houses built — the real estate
men and the savings banks.
He said there are $2,000,000,000 in the savings
banks of this city, and one quarter of that sum would
be sufficient to relieve the housing conditions.
School Building Program for
New York
A school building program of $65,000,000 has
been adopted at a meeting of the Board of Education
and will be submitted to the Board of Estimate of
New York with the request that action be taken as
soon as possible. The lack of schools is creating
an acute situation.
LeBrun Scholarship Award
The jury in the LeBrun Scholarship Competition
for 1920-21, conducted by the New York Chapter
A. I. A., has made the following awards:
Traveling Scholar — Oliver Reagan, New York
City.
First Honorable Mention — Robbins L. Conn, New
York City.
Second Honorable Mention — Edward S. Lacosta.
New York City.
Third Honorable Mention — Charles J. Irwin,
Brooklyn, N. Y.
The following men, whose names are given alpha-
betically, were mentioned by the jury for the excel-
lence of their work :
Howard Stanley Atkinson, Philadelphia, Pa.
John S. Burrell, New York City.
Louis Fentnor, New York City.
J. Harold Geisel, Philadelphia, Pa.
Owen L. Gowman, New York City.
Carl W. Lason, Boston, Mass.
Benjamin Moscowitz, New York City.
John G. Schuhmann, New York City.
Edgar F. Stoeckel, New York City.
The interest in the competition was very gratify-
ing, forty-one sets of drawings being presented, rep-
resenting thirteen states, widely distributed through-
out the country.
Publicity by Contractors
Instead of plastering a building job with a lot of
signs advertising various sub-contractors, the general
contractors in a number of cities are displaying one
big sign containing the names of all the sub-con-
tractors on the project. This new departure not
only makes for neatness, but it gives all the con-
cerns connected with the job an equal amount of
publicity.
Hudson River to be Bridged
Papers of incorporation have been filed in Albany
for the Hudson River Corporation. That is an im-
portant step toward the realization of the cherished
dream of many years — the spanning of the Hudson
and the connecting of Manhattan and New Jersey
by a great bridge, the river span of which will be
more than double the length of the river section of
the old Brooklyn Bridge.
The entire plan is estimated to require seven to
eight years' time and a total investment of about
$200,000,000, of which approximately one-half will
be represented by the bridge itself.
The colossal structure will hang suspended from
towers higher than the apex of the Woolworth Build-
ing. The centre of its central or river span will
be 165 feet clear above the surface of the water,
as compared with 135 feet between the river and
the middle span of the older structure. The new
bridge is expected to accommodate fourteen rail-
road tracks in all, four on its upper deck and ten
on its lower, and to have a traffic capacity of 600,000
persons an hour, as compared with 700,000 for all
four of the East River bridges combined, which carry
twenty-four tracks in all. The Hudson River
bridge is to accommodate 12,000 vehicles, which is
equal to the combined vehicular capacity of the
Brooklyn, Manhattan, Williamsburg and Queens-
borough bridges combined, and on its upper deck
will sustain 40,000 tons of vehicular freight by rail
and truck.
Gustav Lindenthal, the well known bridge builder,
is author of the present plan and will continue to
be identified with it as engineer-in-chief.
191
Weekly Review of the Construction Field
With Reports of Special Correspondents in Regional Centers
World Situation
RUSSIA continues to show stability, though no
one speaks encouragingly of Russian trade. The
Bolsheviki apparently have the situation well in
hand.
Austria and the Balkans show little improvement.
Conditions in Austria are desperately bad, due funda-
mentally to the political severance of Vienna from
the territory of which it has been the industrial as
well as political center.. The immediate problem
is to get the population of Vienna through the win-
ter. Hungary, Roumania, Bulgaria and Jugo-Slavia
are largely agricultural territory. Treasuries and
food stocks are low, but there are fortunately no
great cities to be provided with supplies.
Italy has quieted her most alarming disorders.
Her treasury is in improved condition as a result of
new taxation; the revenues of January, 1921, are
reported as three times those of January, 1920. The
note circulation of the Bank of Italy on October
10, 1920, was 15,238,000,000 lire, against 14,445,-
000,000 a year before, and 1,556,000,000 in 1914.
With the increased revenues, this inflation should
cease.
Poland has been prostrated by the struggle with
Russia. The industrial and financial situation is very
bad, with the currency depreciated almost to the van-
ishing point by the enormous issues of the past year.
Ordinarily almost self-supporting in food production,
Poland required importations in 1920, and socialistic
experiments in state management of industries have
added enormous confusion, the state railways hav-
ing five times as many employees per kilometer as
the roads of western Europe. No figures are avail-
able regarding commercial activity.
GERMANY is still unsettled and agitated. The
1920 crops were not good. The printed money
has demoralized the currency and foreign exchanges.
The railroads are a severe burden on the public treas-
ury. Coal is lacking, but some improvement has re-
cently bee nshown — the most hopeful sign of 1920.
The overshadowing problem is naturally that of
indemnities. No sane man would think of predict-
ing anything with regard to this matter.
Belgium and France show substantial progress in
industrial recovery. Belgium, before the present de-
pression, was back, on the whole, on a pre-war pro-
duction basis. In France remarkable progress has
been made. The first ten months of 1920 showed
the value of imports to be 29,784,000 francs, as
against 27,397,000,000 in 1919, and exports for the
same period were 18,890,000,000, against 7,733,000,-
000 in 1919. Production of coal is increasing. A
new internal loan has recently been successfully
floated, aggregating 50,000,000,000 francs. By the
aid of this the government has been able to reduce its
indebtedness to the Bank of France to such an ex-
tent that the note circulation of this institution is
lower than it was a year ago.
Great Britain has passed through several grave
disorders, notably the coal strike, the settlement of
which was the most reassuring sign in the British
industrial situation. At the close of 1919, the gov-
ernment announced that the outstanding issue of
exchequer currency notes, above cash reserves, would
not be permitted to exceed £320,600,000 in the year
1920, and that pledge was observed. The gold stock
of the Bank of England on December 1, 1920, was
£124,991,291, against £91,790,369 on that date of
1919. On December 1, 1920, the adverse balance
in foreign trade had been reduced about $600,-
000,000.
(Special Correspondence to THE AMERICAN ARCHITECT)
CHICAGO. — Chicago's building apathy continues
here but there is a sign of improvement. The most
encouraging harbinger of better days is the constant
discussion of the great need for building. In this
discussion, newspapers, bankers, contractors, home-
owners, flatclwellers — everybody, seems to be taking
part. It s 
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11